Former Real Madrid star picks Mbappe over Lamine Yamal for Ballon d'Or: 'A player who can make the difference'

Ahead of Sunday’s La Liga El Clasico at Camp Nou, former Real Madrid midfielder Steve McManaman says Kylian Mbappé should be favored over Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or. Speaking to 365Scores, McManaman backed Mbappé, calling him a player who “can make the difference” and score in the biggest matches, citing his experience for handling pressure. He acknowledged Yamal’s rapid development but said he’d still “vote for Mbappé.” McManaman also expects Real Madrid to win, predicting a 3-1 result, while highlighting Vinícius Jr.’s suspension as a blow for Jose Mourinho’s side.