According to former Barcelona forward Ronaldinho, Kylian Mbappe can still win the Ballon d’Or without joining Real Madrid.

“A fantastic player like Mbappe can win the Ballon d’Or at any team. However, because of his love for PSG, I want him to do it with PSG,” Ronaldinho told AFP. “I hope he will achieve it. He is a good friend and a very talented player. I like his style of play.”

Ronaldinho also believes that to win the Ballon d’Or, the best way is to win major victories. He acknowledges that the Champions League remains a big challenge for PSG. However, with coach Luis Enrique and the quality players they have now, he believes anything is possible.

Ronaldinho won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 while playing for Barcelona.

Ronaldinho once played with Enrique at Barça during the 2003-2004 season. At that time, the former Spanish midfielder wore the captain’s armband and was a key player. “As a player, Enrique was very strong,” Ronaldinho said. “I saw what he achieved. I hope everything goes well for him.”

Ronaldinho won the Ballon d’Or in 2005. His launchpad was the La Liga title in the 2004-2005 season and his excellent form at the start of the 2005-2006 season. The following year, Ronaldinho won the Champions League, but he couldn’t defend his Ballon d’Or. That title went to the World Cup-winning defender from Italy, Fabio Cannavaro.

Mbappe has never won the Ballon d’Or. The French forward’s best achievement was third place in the race last year. He gathered 270 points, behind Lionel Messi with 462 points and Erling Haaland with 357 points.

This season, despite winning Ligue 1, PSG was eliminated in the UCL semifinals by Borussia Dortmund. This has put Mbappe at a disadvantage in the Ballon d’Or race compared to his direct competitor, Jude Bellingham.