Zinedine Zidane has reportedly said he would vote for Lionel Messi “100 times” for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, despite Kylian Mbappe also being among the leading contenders.

Zidane backs Messi for Ballon d’Or despite coaching Mbappe

Zinedine Zidane has reportedly given Lionel Messi a major Ballon d’Or endorsement, despite Kylian Mbappe also being in contention for the 2026 award.

The France coach was quoted praising Messi’s longevity and continued impact at the age of 39.

“I would vote for Messi 100 times,” Zidane was quoted as saying.

Zidane gives Messi huge Ballon d’Or backing

Zidane’s comments attracted attention because they went beyond praising Messi’s career.

He was presented as directly supporting the Argentine in the 2026 Ballon d’Or race.

He was also quoted saying he would not be surprised if Messi won the award, which would give the Argentina star a record ninth Ballon d’Or.

Messi’s age impresses Zidane

Zidane reportedly focused on how difficult it is to remain world-class deep into a player’s thirties.

Messi’s ability to compete at this level at 39 is one of the strongest arguments in his favour.

He is not being recognised only for his past achievements. His current performances have helped him return to the Ballon d’Or shortlist.

Messi returns to the shortlist

Messi has been included in the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist for the first time since 2023.

This is his 17th career nomination, moving him within one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 18.

His nomination is supported by 75 goal contributions in 49 matches for club and country.

Messi also scored eight goals and provided four assists as Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final, although Spain ultimately won the tournament.

The Mbappe angle makes Zidane’s choice fascinating

Zidane’s reported endorsement is especially notable because Mbappe is France’s captain and another leading Ballon d’Or contender.

Mbappe has already backed himself, saying he would vote for himself if he had a ballot.

However, Zidane’s support for Messi should not automatically be viewed as criticism of Mbappe.

There is no evidence of tension between the France coach and captain.

Dembele adds another French contender

France also have another major candidate in Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner.

Dembele recently named Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Harry Kane and Mbappe among his favourites, but did not choose himself.

That creates an interesting contrast: Mbappe has backed himself, Dembele has not, and Zidane has reportedly chosen Messi.

Messi could make Ballon d’Or history again

Messi already holds the record with eight Ballon d’Or trophies.

If he wins in 2026, he would become the first player to reach nine.

Doing so at 39 would be one of the most remarkable achievements in the award’s history and would further extend his lead over Ronaldo, who has won it five times.

Source of Zidane quote requires caution

Zidane’s comments have been reported by major media outlets, but a complete official FFF transcript or video of the exchange has not been widely circulated.

Therefore, the most accurate wording is that Zidane was “quoted as saying” he would vote for Messi 100 times.

No response from Mbappe yet

Mbappe has not publicly responded to Zidane’s reported support for Messi.

There is currently no basis for describing the situation as a conflict between the France coach and captain.

For now, Zidane’s comments simply add another major endorsement to an already fascinating Ballon d’Or race.

At 39, Messi is back on the shortlist with one of football’s greatest legends publicly backing him to win again.