Follow Us on Google
Zinedine Zidane has thrown his weight behind Lionel Messi’s bid for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying he would vote for the Argentine “100 times” and insisting there should be little doubt about his status as football’s greatest player.
The endorsement is particularly notable because Zidane is one of Real Madrid’s greatest figures and previously coached Cristiano Ronaldo during a hugely successful spell at the Spanish giants.
Speaking about Messi’s return to the Ballon d’Or shortlist at the age of 39, Zidane praised the Argentine’s ability to remain among the world’s elite despite his age.
“I would vote for Messi 100 times,” Zidane said, according to Marca.
“I think people really don’t understand how incredible it is to still be among the best players in the world at 39 years old.”
Zidane also backed Messi’s chances of winning the award for a ninth time, despite competition from several of the world’s leading players.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Messi won the award,” he said.
The French football great went further when asked about the long-running debate over the greatest player of all time, making his preference for Messi unmistakable.
“If anyone still has doubts about the GOAT debate, honestly, that person does not belong in football society,” Zidane said, according to reports.
Messi’s inclusion on the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist comes after a prolific assessment period. The eight-time winner recorded 45 goals and 30 assists in 49 appearances for Inter Miami and Argentina.
He also played a key role in Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final, scoring eight goals and providing four assists during the tournament.
The latest nomination marks Messi’s return to the Ballon d’Or race after he missed the shortlist in 2024 and 2025. He now faces competition from Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Rodri, Erling Haaland and Michael Olise, among others.
Zidane’s comments carry added weight because of his history with Ronaldo. As Real Madrid manager, he worked closely with the Portuguese forward during a period in which the club won three consecutive Champions League titles.
For Zidane, however, Messi’s continued excellence at 39 is enough to put him ahead of the field. The 2026 Ballon d’Or winner is due to be announced in London on October 26, with Messi seeking a ninth triumph.
