Gareth Bale is backing Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Vinicius Junior next year.
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Bale pitchside for Liverpool vs Real MadridAsked to name award winners for next yearFavoured Mbappe instead of Vini Jr for Ballon d'OrFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Welsh icon Bale was on punditry duty for Madrid's 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Wednesday. The former Galactico was great value and even opened up on his golfing days since retirement. He was also asked to name his next batch of award winners, including his favourite fort the Ballon d'Or. Bale chose Mbappe over the recently-snubbed Vinicius, while tipping Robert Lewandowski to be La Liga's top scorer.
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Bale's decision to choose Mbappe over Vinicius for the world's most prestigious individual award is a dangerous one considering the debacle involving the Brazilian and Rodri a few weeks ago. But it can be seen as a show of solidarity from Bale, who also felt the incredible pressure of playing for Madrid at the peak of his career. Vinicius is undoubtedly one of the best in the world and even without the support of the Welshman, will fancy his chances of winning the trophy next season.
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Bale's highest ranking in the Ballon d'Or was sixth, which he achieved in 2016. He never broke into the top three as a player, reflecting on the pure domination from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who always featured at the top.