José Mourinho believes Kylian Mbappé should receive this year’s Ballon d’Or, insisting the prize must recognise the world’s finest footballer instead of being determined by success in the World Cup or Champions League.
“There are only two, three or four players who can be considered the best in the world, and everyone knows who they are. They are here,” the Real Madrid coach said on Saturday ahead of the La Liga match against Málaga.
“In my opinion, one player achieved something historic on an individual level this summer,” Mourinho said of Mbappé, who became the leading goalscorer in World Cup history.
The France captain is one of the leading candidates for the Ballon d’Or after ending last season as the highest scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the 2026 World Cup, even though he did not collect a major trophy. Other contenders include England forward Harry Kane, Spain midfielder and World Cup champion Rodri, and Paris Saint-Germain European title winners Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Mbappé scored three times in Wednesday’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad and appeared on the front page of Madrid sports newspaper AS on Saturday beneath the headline: “Mbappé targets the Ballon d’Or”.
“A player should not receive the Ballon d’Or solely because he lifted the Champions League or the World Cup,” Mourinho said. “The award should honour one of those footballers whose absence will be felt long after retirement. Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Zidane …”
“If the intention is to recognise Champions League success, award it to Luis Enrique. If it is about Spain’s national team, give it to [Luis] De la Fuente. Identifying the best footballer on the planet is a separate matter, and that player is not with PSG or the Spanish side.”
Mourinho’s team welcome newly promoted Málaga on Sunday, aiming to open their La Liga campaign with a third consecutive win.
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