Gareth Bale backs Real Madrid forward to win the next Ballon d'Or award

According to Gareth Bale, Kylian Mbappe will take home the Ballon d'Or next year before Vinicius Junior. Welsh legend Bale was on commentary duty during Wednesday's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool for Real Madrid. Great value, the former Galactico even talked about his golfing days after retirement. 

Along with naming his favorite recipient of the Ballon d'Or, he was additionally requested to choose his next group of prize winners. Bale predicted Robert Lewandowski would finish as La Liga's leading scorer and selected Mbappe above the just passed Vinicius.

Given the scandal between the Brazilian as well as Rodri just a month ago, Bale's choice to select Mbappe above Vinicius for the most coveted individual prize in the world is risky. However, it may be interpreted as a gesture of support from Bale, who experienced the immense strain of playing for Real Madrid during the height of his career. Even without the Welshman's backing, Vinicius is unquestionably among the greatest in the world today and will be confident in his prospects of taking home the championship the next season.

“Things aren't going well at the moment” : Gareth Bale

Kylian Mbappe's performance against Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday was instructive. As if his several unsuccessful attempts to equalize weren't enough, he then blew a great opportunity to do so by squandering a penalty. Since then, Mbappé has come under fire and still is being criticized by the media, however former Real Madrid great Gareth Bale has stepped forward to support him.

The former Tottenham Hotspur legend said, "It happens. I missed penalties, everyone has missed penalties. It's just unfortunate now because things aren't going well at the moment. But I think on his good days he's the best player in the world. It's only a matter of time before he plays well. The expectations and pressure are enormous for him, but he's good enough to know how to deal with it."