Chelsea legend Claude Makelele has backed Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo to be a serious contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, citing his exceptional form and leadership on the pitch.
Speaking to Metro UK, Makelele said he has been impressed with Caicedo’s progress since joining Chelsea from Brighton in 2023 for a record £115 million, urging the player to maintain his current momentum.
“I’m not surprised,” Makelele said. “I’ve known him since he arrived in England, and I like this boy. He is talented, powerful, and tactically very intelligent. If he continues like this, I believe he can compete for the Ballon d’Or next year because he is such a good player.”
Caicedo has been instrumental for Chelsea over the past two seasons. The 23-year-old midfielder won the club’s Player of the Year award last season after starting all 38 Premier League matches. His performances helped Enzo Maresca’s side qualify for the Champions League, while also lifting both the Europa Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
His commanding display against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend earned widespread praise from pundits and fans alike. Both Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp have ranked Caicedo among the top two midfielders in world football at the moment.
Makelele, who himself was one of the most respected defensive midfielders of his generation, believes Caicedo has what it takes to lead Chelsea into a new era of dominance.
“He can be the leader of this team,” Makelele added. “That’s very important. If he keeps going, his potential is limitless.”
