Ballon d'Or winner on what it takes to win as Kane, Mbappé, and Yamal await result

Bayern Munich's Harry Kane is among the favorites to win the Ballon d'Or this year -Credit:SOPA Images, SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesThe Ballon d'Or stands as the most prestigious individual honor in world soccer.Claimed by Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembélé last year, Harry Kane, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé are among the favorites for the men's award, which will be revealed on Monday. Kane's argument for being crowned soccer's finest player hinges on relentless production and reliability - 73 goals across club and international duty while serving as the centerpiece for both Bayern Munich and England.Mbappé's candidacy relies on elite individual performance in the sport's two premier competitions, claiming the golden boot in both the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League. Meanwhile, Yamal's bid centers on extraordinary influence at a young age: the prodigy who guided his team to La Liga and a World Cup triumph while already establishing himself among the most lethal dribblers the sport has witnessed.Cristiano Ronaldo delivers brutal Portugal 'ultimatum' after Jorge Jesus 'broke his word'Erik ten Hag 'embarrassed' by Scott McTominay transfer as ex-Man United manager slams club bosses -Credit:FIFAEach contender presents a persuasive argument founded on silverware, statistics, and decisive moments. Twenty-seven years ago, Rivaldo constructed a comparable resume, and heard his name called as the planet's finest.Rivaldo captured the 1999 Ballon d'Or after guiding Barcelona to the 1998–99 La Liga championship, concluding the campaign as the division's second-leading marksman with 24 goals. The Brazilian also secured the Copa América, emerging as both the competition's joint-leading scorer and outstanding performer. But what does it *actually* require to claim the Ballon d'Or?"It takes a lot," Rivaldo told The Mirror U.S. at the EA SPORTS FC 27 World Premiere in New York City. "It's a lot of hard work, belief in yourself, talent, obviously. But really, it's about luck too, and about playing on a great team where you can prove yourself the best in the world. All of this needs to come together, because there are so many amazing players around."But I am proud that it all came together for me. It's the greatest achievement for an individual player, and I can always say that I was once the best player in the world."Similar to Kane, Yamal, and Mbappé, Rivaldo had established himself among the game's elite for several seasons before claiming his ultimate prize. He was fully cognizant of the buzz surrounding the Ballon d'Or, and recognizes the weight those in contention carried throughout the campaign.To listen to the latest episode of 'All Out Soccer' - CLICK HERE"You notice it when you're playing," Rivaldo added. "The press is talking, the players on the team, everyone is talking about you. And in every game, you see that you're playing very well, that you're superior to the other players, even though you know that there are other high-level players, but you feel that you are - at that moment - much superior to the other players."You have to believe you're the best."When Rivaldo competed in the favelas of Paulista, he never allowed himself to imagine he might someday be crowned the world's finest player. However, following his outstanding 1999 campaign, he received the honor at a ceremony in Paris, instantly generating one of his most treasured moments."It's just the best feeling," Rivaldo concluded. "I never imagined that one day I would be considered the best. I couldn't believe I was the best player in the world, and I had the Ballon d'Or. I still can't, really. It's an incredible feeling. It's something that I'll never forget."For Kane, Yamal, or Mbappé, Monday in London will represent a lasting memory, similar to Rivaldo's experience in Paris back in 1999.