Mourinho Backs Mbappé for 2026 Ballon d'Or

José Mourinho, the newly appointed coach of Real Madrid, has publicly thrown his support behind French superstar Kylian Mbappé for the 2026 Ballon d'Or award. Mourinho asserted that the prestigious prize should be given to the "best player in the world," emphasizing individual merit over success in major tournaments like the World Cup or Champions League.

"The best players in the world, there are two, three, or four, and we know who they are: they are here," Mourinho stated, referring to players in La Liga. "And for me, there is one who, individually, made history this summer," he added, clearly referencing Mbappé's performance.

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The best players in the world, there are two, three, or four, and we know who they are: they are here. And for me, there is one who, individually, made history this summer.

Mourinho's stance challenges the traditional criteria for the Ballon d'Or, which often heavily favors players from winning teams. He believes that while winning the World Cup or Champions League is significant, it should not be the sole determinant for the world's best player award. He listed legendary figures like Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Zidane as examples of players whose individual impact transcended team trophies.

Mbappé, who was the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the 2026 World Cup last season, is considered a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or. His competition includes notable players like Harry Kane, Rodri, Ousmane Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Mbappé recently scored a hat-trick in Real Madrid's 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, further bolstering his case.

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We cannot give the Ballon d'Or to a player just because he won the Champions League or the World Cup. For me, a Ballon d'Or must be one of those players who, when he stops his career, we will miss for eternity.