Ronaldo Nazário questioned the clarity of the selection criteria for the prestigious football prize during an appearance at the London Palladium. Speaking to international media on the red carpet, the two-time winner addressed the candidates in contention for the honor, highlighting the concentration of top-tier talent currently playing in Spain.

The Red Carpet Assessment at the London Palladium

The 2026 Ballon d’Or gala gathered prominent figures from the sport to witness the crowning of the year’s top player. Amid the arrivals, Ronaldo Nazário stopped to evaluate the shortlist for the award he secured in 1997 and 2002. Veo mucho talento en los tres que están ahí, Ronaldo said of the finalists, offering his appraisal to MARCA. Los criterios no son muy claros, pero es muy complicado. Son todos buenísimos y dos de ellos están en España y es motivo de honor. Hay que celebrarlo. Tener en España a Lamine y Mbappé… No sé quién ganará.

The presence of two finalists based in Spain—Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé—underscores La Liga’s status as a hub for global talent.

Drawing Comparisons with Kylian Mbappé

Beyond the race for the trophy, Ronaldo discussed the playing style of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, noting striking similarities to his own historic peak on the pitch. The former Brazilian striker pointed to specific athletic and technical traits that link their eras.

Tiene muchas cosas mías. Velocidad, fuerza, gol, regate, remate, Ronaldo stated regarding the French international, as reported by MARCA. Es un jugador bastante completo. Marca muchos goles y tiene muchas cosas mías. Estoy contento de que mi legado sigue vivo.

The comparison highlights a lineage of explosive, high-scoring center forwards who combine raw pace with clinical finishing in the final third. As Mbappé continues his career in Madrid, observations from legends who mastered the position offer a benchmark for his ongoing impact at the highest level of European club football.