GOAL reported that Lu Ming, editor-in-chief of Titan Sports and the only Chinese representative on the Ballon d'Or voting panel, revealed his selections for the award, with Lionel Messi first and Kylian Mbappé fifth.
Lu Ming's top five
Lu Ming placed Messi at the top of his list, ahead of Ousmane Dembélé and Rodri. Harry Kane and Mbappé came fourth and fifth respectively in his assessment.
Why Messi, Dembélé and Rodri were ranked highly
According to Foot Mercato, Lu Ming justified his Messi pick by pointing to what the Argentina captain delivered at the World Cup. According to Foot Mercato, Messi scored 8 goals, provided 4 assists and dragged his country to the final.
According to Foot Mercato, Dembélé earned the Chinese representative's appreciation through a blend of individual brilliance and collective silverware, while Rodri benefited from his pivotal role with the Spanish national team.
Why Mbappé was fifth
Lu Ming based his justification for placing Mbappé fifth on sporting grounds. Lu Ming pointed to the absence of major titles from Mbappé's tally during the season under assessment, despite his striking individual figures.
Timing and wider context
GOAL reported that a video clip spread recently in which Mbappé appeared to react to mocking clips depicting him in the guise of a dictator, with a reference to the Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Mbappé offered a public apology.
GOAL reported that several Chinese brands ended their partnerships with Mbappé, and local media kept hammering his conduct. Voting for the award closed on 28 September, before the current crisis between Mbappé and China erupted. Mbappé finished this year's Ballon d'Or race in second place, behind the winner Harry Kane.