‘He has to believe’ – Koulibaly makes Nicolas Jackson’s Ballon d’Or claims

Former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly has encouraged his Senegalese compatriot Nicolas Jackson to aspire to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

Currently playing for Al Ittihad, Koulibaly spoke highly of Jackson’s potential during an interview with sports journalist Ben Jacobs.

He asserted that the Chelsea striker has the talent to be world-class.

“Nico Jackson has to believe he can be world-class. All the players who have won the Ballon d’Or believed they could. So you have to put this in Nico’s head,” Koulibaly said.

“I don’t tell him to be selfish and ignore his teammates, but he has to think about the Ballon d’Or.

“If you put this image in his head, he can achieve it. And that’s what I tell him all the time.”

Jackson, 22, has enjoyed a strong start to his Chelsea career under new manager Enzo Maresca, registering six goals and three assists in 11 Premier League appearances this season.

His performances have earned widespread praise, with Maresca highlighting his ability to deliver in key moments.