The nominees for the Ballon d’Or are out, and from a Paris Saint-Germain angle, Kylian Mbappé is one of the top candidates to win the honor. Nonetheless, other players are vying for the award, including the 24-year-old’s French national team, Antoine Griezmann.
Griezmann was asked who should win the Ballon d’Or, and even though he has his favorites, the Atletico Madrid star responded witty to who should come away with the award.
“Haaland or Messi for the Ballon d’Or? Me,” Griezmann said. “I should win it. You forgot that I am nominated too … If not me, then Messi or Mbappé. Haaland had a great season, but it’s a World Cup year, you know?”
🎙️ | Griezmann: "Haaland or Messi for the Ballon d'Or? Me. I should win it. You forgot that I am nominated too… If not me, then Messi or Mbappé. Haaland had a great season, but it's a World Cup year, you know?" pic.twitter.com/RkAwcbY51P
— Barça Insider (@theBarcaInsider) September 8, 2023
While the PSG star had a quality 2022-23 season, it could be hard to overcome not winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup or 2023 UEFA Champions League. Messi and Haaland lifted those trophies, making their cases more substantial than the Frenchman.
Maybe Mbappé can secure the award next year as he can win one of three significant honors: The 2024 Champions League, the 2024 UEFA Euro, or the 2024 Olympics.
If the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner somehow wins all three, it will be the leading candidate.
