Steven Nzonzi Backs Kylian Mbappe for Ballon d’Or While Praising Rodri as World’s Best Midfielder
Former France midfielder Steven Nzonzi believes Kylian Mbappe should win the next Ballon d’Or, describing him as the best player in the world despite his current lack of certain titles, goal.com reported. In a wide-ranging interview with the Spanish newspaper AS, Nzonzi weighed in on the trajectories of top international stars including Rodri, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Michael Olise, and Lamine Yamal, while also outlining his own transition into coaching.
Steven Nzonzi Analyzes Mbappe and the Ballon d’Or Debate
Nzonzi argued that individual excellence should dictate the award’s outcome. “I see that the forecasts talk of the candidates being very close, but I believe the next Ballon d’Or should be his,” Nzonzi said of Mbappe, adding that nobody in the world matches him as a footballer. At the same time, the Dunkerque midfielder urged caution when comparing the Paris Saint-Germain star to two-decade icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. “He is on the way, but he has not reached that status yet,” Nzonzi noted of Mbappe. “They are two genuine legends, they won everything on both the individual and collective levels, and Mbappe still has a long road ahead to prove many things.”
Rodri Claims Midfield Crown Over Aurelien Tchouameni
When asked to evaluate the world’s premier central midfielders, Nzonzi pointed directly to Manchester City and Spain star Rodri. “Rodri is extremely intelligent, and outstanding in every aspect, and he controls midfield as few players do,” Nzonzi stated. While he declined to draw a rigid comparison with Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni—calling both players “amazing” and describing Tchouameni as “top-class”—Nzonzi ultimately declared that Rodri stands alone as the best midfielder in the game right now.
Eduardo Camavinga Recovery and the Future of Elite Wingers
Turning to his former Rennes teammate Eduardo Camavinga, Nzonzi expressed surprise at the 23-year-old’s recent trajectory in Madrid. “The strange thing is the decline he has experienced in Madrid, because he is a top-class player,” Nzonzi said, attributing the midfielder’s stalled progress to injuries. He credited France national team coach Zinedine Zidane’s confidence with helping Camavinga recover his best form. Meanwhile, Nzonzi offered an unreserved verdict on wingers Michael Olise and Lamine Yamal. Asked if the pair rank as the best in their position globally, Nzonzi answered firmly: “Yes, I strongly believe so. They are the best two wingers in the world, both of them enjoy star status, and they have a big impact, as well as being players who are enjoyable to watch.”
Coaching Ambitions in the French Second Division
Away from international analysis, Nzonzi addressed his own professional future as he continues playing for Dunkerque in France’s Ligue 2. The former Sevilla and Roma midfielder revealed that he stands close to securing his first-category European coaching license. He intends to explore a dugout career, noting that players who occupy defensive midfield roles typically acquire a heightened tactical vision over years of competitive action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Steven Nzonzi currently playing club football?
Steven Nzonzi plays for Dunkerque, a club competing in the French second division.
Which player did Steven Nzonzi name as the world’s best midfielder?
Nzonzi named Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri as the best midfielder in the world at present, praising his intelligence and control.
What did Nzonzi say about Eduardo Camavinga’s situation at Real Madrid?
Nzonzi described Camavinga’s recent period in Madrid as a strange decline caused primarily by injuries, but emphasized that the 23-year-old can still become one of Europe’s top midfielders.
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