{
  "id": 15400507,
  "title": "Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe backed to win the Ballon d’Or by former Sevilla star – “Best in the world”",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/real-madrid-star-kylian-mbappe-backed-to-win-the-ballon-dor-by-former",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-18T11:25:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/real-madrid-star-kylian-mbappe-112500333.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Sevilla midfielder Steven Nzonzi has backed Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or, despite the Real Madrid star's trophyless season. Nzonzi, now at Dunkirk, believes Mbappe is the best player in the world, citing his impressive individual performances. While acknowledging Mbappe's lack of titles, Nzonzi argues that sheer individual brilliance should be the primary factor in the voters' decision. He emphasizes that no other player in the world is at the same level as Mbappe, though he stops short of placing him in the same category as football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappe has been a consistent goal scorer for Real Madrid this season, netting nine goals in all competitions, but has also missed several opportunities. As Real Madrid prepares for crucial matches against Sevilla, Leipzig, and Barcelona, Mbappe's contributions will be vital for the team's success.",
  "summary": "Kylian Mbappe will only have an outside heading into the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London later this month, with Lamine Yamal expected to dominate the proceedings.The Real Madrid frontman has the stat...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Real Madrid are expected to announce four new contract renewals in the near future",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/real-madrid-are-expected-to-announce-four-new-contract-renewals-in",
        "published": "2026-10-18T06:40:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}