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Mourinho: Ballon d'Or Belongs to Best Player, Not Just Winners
30 Aug
Summary
- Mourinho believes individual performance should outweigh team trophies for the Ballon d'Or.
- Mbappé set scoring records in La Liga, Champions League, and World Cup.
- Mourinho argues that coaches should get awards if teams win major tournaments.
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has declared his support for Kylian Mbappé to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, stating the award should recognize the world's best individual player. Mourinho argued that individual performance, like Mbappé's historic scoring achievements, should take precedence over merely winning major trophies such as the Champions League or World Cup.
Mbappé had an extraordinary 2025-26 season, scoring 43 goals in 47 appearances for Real Madrid and leading both La Liga and the Champions League in scoring. His World Cup campaign further bolstered his case with 10 goals in eight matches, making him the tournament's top scorer and its all-time record holder.
Mourinho highlighted that Mbappé's individual excellence has been consistent, even though he did not win a major team trophy last season. He pointed out that if team success were the deciding factor, coaches like Luis Enrique and Luis de la Fuente would be more deserving of individual accolades.
Despite facing strong competition from players like Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Rodri, who won major tournaments, Mourinho remains firm. He believes Mbappé's lasting individual greatness aligns with the spirit of honoring legends like Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi.
