Diego Simeone Chooses His Ballon d’Or Favorite and Leaves Out Kylian Mbappé
The race for the Ballon d’Or is heating up, and Diego Simeone was asked about the leading candidates. The Argentine coach did not hesitate to share his stance.
With the Ballon d’Or ceremony getting closer, the debate surrounding the leading candidates is beginning to intensify. Kylian Mbappé is among the top names in contention, while several figures from the soccer world are starting to share their views on who deserves to win the prestigious award.
During the press conference ahead of Atlético de Madrid’s match against Osasuna, Diego Simeone was asked about his favorite and surprised by taking a different position from some of the leading contenders. According to his comments during the press conference, the Atlético Madrid manager placed particular emphasis on a player’s performance at the World Cup and his ability to maintain an elite level despite his age.
Simeone Puts Messi Above the Leading Candidates
When it was time to make his choice, Simeone was direct and needed very little time to answer. Lionel Messi was the player selected by the Argentine manager, who delivered a statement that quickly became the center of attention.
“Messi, without any doubt,” Simeone said when asked who should win the Ballon d’Or. He then added another argument that he considers fundamental: “After the World Cup he had, at the age he is, without any doubt. Messi.”
Messi finished the World Cup as runner-up, after losing the final to Spain, and also ended the tournament as the second-highest scorer with eight goals. The top spot went to Mbappé, who scored 10 goals.
Beyond the World Cup Numbers
At club level, Messi also continues to post impressive numbers with Inter Miami, where he has recorded 22 goals and 12 assists. Those statistics help explain why Simeone believes the forward still has more than enough arguments to compete for the prestigious individual award.
And although the competition is fierce, for Simeone, Messi does not need many explanations to stand above the rest.
Simeone’s Verdict Keeps an Open Race Alive
Messi has the impact of his World Cup performance and his numbers with Inter Miami on his side. Mbappé can point to finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer. For now, the discussion remains open, with each contender offering different arguments to win over the voters.
The 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in London, in a special edition that will move outside Paris and pay tribute to Sir Stanley Matthews, the winner of the inaugural award in 1956.
