Former Real Madrid and Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez has tipped Liverpool winger Luis Diaz as a genuine contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, declaring his compatriot is currently among the top five players in world football .
Speaking ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup, James expressed strong confidence in Diaz’s ability to challenge for football’s most prestigious individual honour should Colombia perform well on the global stage.
“Luis Diaz as Ballon d’Or, why not? For me he’s top five in the world right now already,” James said. “If we get to the final, he can win the Ballon d’Or” .
The 28-year-old Diaz has been in scintillating form for Liverpool, establishing himself as one of the most devastating wingers in the Premier League. His pace, dribbling ability, and knack for scoring crucial goals have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.
With the World Cup fast approaching, James’s comments add to the growing debate over who will succeed Rodri as Ballon d’Or winner. Other contenders include Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Lamine Yamal, with performances in North America expected to heavily influence voting .
For now, James has made his choice clear: if Colombia goes deep, Diaz could be the man to beat.
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