According to a report by GOAL on Monday October 26, 2026, Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazario has praised Kylian Mbappe, describing the Real Madrid forward as a player who shares many of his qualities while discussing the competitive 2026 Ballon d’Or race.

Ronaldo, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, made the comments while attending the award ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre, where Mbappe, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane were among the leading contenders.

The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan striker admitted that predicting the winner was difficult because of the quality of the players involved.

“I don't know who will win,” Ronaldo said, adding that all three contenders possess exceptional talent.

He also questioned the clarity of the award’s criteria, noting that the competition had become difficult to call.

However, his comments about Mbappe attracted particular attention, with the Brazilian highlighting the similarities between the Frenchman’s playing style and his own.

“He has many things of mine. Speed, strength, goals, dribbling, finishing. He is a fairly complete player,” Ronaldo said.

“I am happy that my legacy lives on,” he added.

Mbappe has established himself as one of the leading forwards in world football, combining explosive pace with clinical finishing and impressive dribbling ability.

His reported brace in Real Madrid’s 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona has further strengthened the attention surrounding his performances.

Meanwhile, Kane is also hoping to win the prestigious individual award after what he described as the best season of his career with Bayern Munich.

The England captain pointed to winning three trophies with the German giants, while acknowledging that reaching the Champions League final and World Cup final stages could have strengthened his chances.