Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has backed Kylian Mbappe to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, arguing that the award should recognise the world’s best individual player rather than reward success in major competitions.
Mourinho made the comments ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Malaga, insisting Mbappe’s individual achievements make him a leading candidate for the prestigious award.
“The best players in the world, there are two, three or four of them, and we know who they are: they’re here,” Mourinho told reporters on Saturday.
“And for me there is one who, individually, made history this summer,” he added, referring to Mbappe’s record-breaking performances at the 2026 World Cup.
Mbappe enters the Ballon d’Or race after finishing last season as the leading scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the 2026 World Cup, despite failing to win a major trophy.
The France captain also strengthened his case with a hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Wednesday.
Mourinho rejected the argument that winning the Champions League or World Cup should automatically determine the Ballon d’Or winner.
“You cannot give the Ballon d’Or to a player simply because he won the Champions League or the World Cup,” Mourinho said.
“For me, the Ballon d’Or should go to one of those players who, when they retire, will be missed forever. Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Zidane…”
Mbappe’s rivals include England captain Harry Kane, Spain midfielder and World Cup winner Rodri, and Paris Saint-Germain’s European champions Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Mourinho argued that team trophies should be recognised separately from individual excellence.
“If we want to reward the Champions League, then give it to Luis Enrique. For the Spanish national team, give it to De la Fuente,” he said.
“The best player in the world is something else, and he is neither at PSG nor in the Spain team.”
Mbappe’s historic World Cup campaign and his prolific club form have placed him firmly among the leading contenders, with Mourinho making clear that, in his view, the French forward has done enough to claim the individual prize.
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