Rio Ferdinand has boldly declared that Jamal Musiala is a future Ballon d’Or winner, and will dominate the football scene for the next 10 years.

The Bayern Munich midfielder, who spent eight years in Chelsea’s academy before joining Bayern at 16, is widely recognised as one of the best young players in the game.

In 2023, Musiala secured the runner-up position for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world’s best under-21 player, narrowly losing to Jude Bellingham.

With a promising career ahead, Jamal Musiala is expected to play a crucial role for both club and country, and former Manchester United defender, Ferdinand has now paid a glowing tribute to the talent he carries.

He told TNT Sports: “I love Musiala. We talk about him a lot. I don’t know where his ceiling is.

“It’s nice to see the comments from his teammates saying how diligent he is and how much of a professional he is. [Leon] Goretzka says he might be the best talent Germany have ever had.

“The way he moves and glides with the ball. I see a Ballon d’Or at some point in his career if he fulfils that potential.

“He doesn’t seem like the type that’s going to get too high when he’s winning or too low when it’s not going well. He seems like a very balanced, measured kid with the right people around him.

“That goes a long way and means there’s a real good possibility of him staying at the top for a sustained period. It’s the ones who get too high when it’s going well, who lose themselves and fall off a cliff after two or three years at the top.

“This kid will be at the top for the next 10-12 years.”

Chelsea fans will look back and wonder what would have been, had Musiala continued at the club until now.