Paul Pogba Backs Kylian Mbappe for Ballon d’Or Glory and Recalls Mourinho Relationship Strains

Paul Pogba discusses Kylian Mbappe’s record-breaking form and reflects on his complex managerial relationship with Jose Mourinho during a new podcast appearance.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 2:36 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from YSScores

The Predicted Ascent to Global Individual Honors

During a featured appearance on the podcast program Rio Ferdinand Presents on Wednesday, Paul Pogba expressed unwavering confidence in the trajectory of Kylian Mbappe. The current Monaco midfielder asserted that his French compatriot is a perennial contender for the Ballon d’Or, describing the eventual win as a matter of time. Pogba noted that Mbappe was the standout performer throughout the entire season, highlighting an evolution in his game that has resulted in a higher scoring output than in previous years.

Benchmarking Performance Against Football Legends

In his assessment of the striker’s impact, Pogba drew direct comparisons between Mbappe and iconic figures of the sport, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldo Nazario. He pointed out that Mbappe’s goal-scoring tallies during his inaugural season with Real Madrid have surpassed the benchmarks set by those legends during their own debuts at the Spanish club. According to Pogba, the forward’s consistent development suggests he has yet to reach his full potential, a prospect the midfielder finds unsurprising given Mbappe’s established work ethic.

On-Field Synergy and Technical Understanding

Reflecting on their time as international teammates, Pogba detailed the intuitive connection he shares with the Real Madrid star. He explained that their mutual understanding on the pitch often compensates for technical errors, noting that Mbappe’s elite speed allows him to reach passes that may have been poorly struck. According to Pogba, this harmony is rooted in a deep familiarity with the forward’s specific movements, which creates a unique tactical advantage during competitive play.