Kylian Mbappe will emerge victorious after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo leave top-flight football, according to goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

“When Messi and Ronaldo retire, Mbappe will follow their path. He will win many Ballons d’Or,” Emiliano Martinez told French newspaper L’Equipe on November 2.

The Argentina goalkeeper also affirmed that Mbappe is an example for young players to follow and is an extraordinary player. He cited the fact that Mbappe won the 2018 World Cup at a very young age, reached the next World Cup final and scored a hat-trick. According to Martinez, French fans should be proud to have such a player.

Last year, after the World Cup final between Argentina and France, Martinez reportedly gathered his teammates to “pay a moment of silence for Mbappe “. Later, during the victory celebrations in Argentina, the 31-year-old goalkeeper held a doll wearing the French striker’s mask.

Martinez’s actions have angered French fans. On October 30, after receiving the Yashin award for the best goalkeeper of the year from France Football magazine , Martinez was booed by many fans. The situation became so tense that MC Didier Drogba had to intervene to mediate.

Martinez affirmed that he always respected Mbappe, and highly appreciated the French star. “It is not without reason that he is considered one of the best players in the world. I have a lot of respect for him as a player and a man,” Martinez said.

Mbappe has never won the Ballon d’Or . In the 2023 race, the PSG forward finished third behind Messi and Erling Haaland. Messi won a record eighth Ballon d’Or, extending his lead over second-placed Ronaldo to three titles. Legends Johan Cruyff, Michel Platini and Marco Van Basten tied for third, with three titles each.

Last year, in the World Cup final, Mbappe scored a hat-trick against Martinez . However, France only drew 3-3 with Argentina in 120 minutes and lost 2-4 in the penalty shootout. After the match, Mbappe won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball of the World Cup, while Messi won the Silver Boot and Golden Ball.