'Football phenomenon' Kylian Mbappe is getting 'faster every day' as Rodrygo backs Real Madrid co-star to win Ballon d'Or

Mbappe and Madrid flirted with each other ever since the Paris-born speedster broke through the ranks at Monaco in the 2016-17 season. However, it was not until the summer of 2024 that the association materialised. The 26-year-old finished in the top 10 seven consecutive times between 2017 and 2024, claiming a career-best third-placed finish in 2023. After being told to leave Paris Saint-Germain in order to realise his Ballon d'Or dream, Mbappe smashed 44 goals in 59 games in what was a record-breaking debut season. Lack of collective success, however, meant that he finished in seventh in the 2025 rankings, with his France compatriot and PSG talisman Ousmane Dembele lifting the accolade.

Mbappe's Real Madrid co-star Rodrygo, though, has no doubt about the Frenchman's talent, asserting that the forward is more than capable of winning the prestigious award next year if he maintains his current form. He also expressed his excitement about playing alongside him, adding that he thoroughly enjoys their partnership on the pitch.

"Yes, the truth is that we pair up very well, and he's really good," Rodrygo told AS. "I love playing with him. He has incredible speed. He's getting faster every day and finishing better. He's a football phenomenon. It's a pleasure to have him on our team.

"Of course he can [win the Ballon d'Or next year] if he keeps this up, and scores so many goals. And titles should be important. You have to understand this criterion because sometimes they apply it and sometimes they don't."

The Madrid marksman has been in ridiculous goalscoring form. Xabi Alonso's side have played 10 games, winning nine of those, with the only defeat coming at the hands of cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid. Mbappe has found the back of the net in all games barring the 2-1 win over Mallorca, scoring a staggering 14 goals in 10 games. To put things into perspective, he took 16 more games to reach the same tally last season. What's more, he also became the joint-fastest to 40 La Liga goals for Los Blancos, matching Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 42 games. Now, he has Mr. Champions League's all-time record in sight.

After suffering a minor ankle sprain in the 3-1 win over Villarreal at the weekend, Mbappe has joined the national team camp in France. However, Les Bleus' captain did not participate in training. It remains to be seen if he is cleared fit for the World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on Friday.