The Portuguese legend enjoyed a hugely successful spell at the La Liga giants between 2009 and 2018 and has backed Mbappe to follow in his footsteps at the Bernabeu after moving to Real in the summer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel in an interview with Rio Ferdinand, Ronaldo said: "I think he will do well because of the structure of the club... it's nice, it's good, it's solid.

"They have a great coach and the president who has been there for many many years. I think it won't be a big problem because of his talent. He has shown what he is capable of doing. In my opinion, he can be the next Golden Ball [Ballon d'Or] winner."

Ronaldo is a five-time winner of the prestigious individual prize and tipped some of the game's emerging young talents to replicate his feat of winning the award.

The Al-Nassr player said: "Him, [Erling] Haaland, [Jude] Bellingham, Lamine [Yamal]. I think this new generation, they have a lot of potential."

Meanwhile, Ronaldo described the "aura" that exists around Real Madrid that has enabled them to win a record 15 Champions League titles.

The football icon said: "Madrid is the kind of team they don't rush under pressure. People say they're lucky in the Champions [League]. No they are not lucky. They're prepared for this kind of moment. The Bernabeu has that different aura.

"Now, if you say that Madrid is going to be better or not, we don't know. Mbappe is there now, I think Madrid will keep strong, but I don't know if they will be better than last year. Only God knows."