Ballon d'Or Power Rankings: July 2018

#3 Kylian Mbappe (France) 🡹

Kylian Mbappe - the most exciting teenage sensation since Pele

When Kylian Mbappe was announced as one of the nominees for the Ballon d'Or in 2017, it was well deserved. Here was a kid who had barely turned 18 that was already in the big leagues alongside illustrious names.

Of course, he never stood a chance then but now, aged 19, he has already made people sit up and notice just how important he can be in the coming years.

The French forward is one of the youngest players at the World Cup and he became only the second teenager to score a brace in a World Cup encounter.

Who was the first? It was accomplished 60 years ago by this Brazilian kid called Pele.

1958 - Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷 (19 years & 6 months) is the youngest player to score at least two goals in a World Cup game since Pelé 🇧🇷 v Sweden in 1958 (17 years & 8 months). Shivers. #FRARG #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/51N8RSGs6K

— OptaJean (@OptaJean) June 30, 2018

France looked a bit lost in the group stages. But with Mbappe on the field, they had direction and purpose to their attacks. His explosive pace and athleticism have already seen people draw parallels with Thierry Henry.

21 goals in his debut season with PSG has left this kid hungry for more and it's frightening what he could achieve once he really hits his peak. Once Ronaldo and Messi are long gone, he and Neymar could really fight it out for top honours.

Sadly, Neymar's injury that ruled him out for months could see him miss out on the Ballon d'Or unless he has the time of his life in the knockout stages of the World Cup and helps Brazil win their sixth title.