José Mourinho has declared that Kylian Mbappé deserves to win this year's Ballon d'Or, insisting the award should recognize the world's best player rather than be determined by Champions League or World Cup triumphs. Speaking on Saturday ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga match against Málaga, Mourinho argued that Mbappé's individual achievements this summer set him apart.
Mourinho: Mbappé 'made history' this summer
“The best players in the world, there are two, three or four of them, and we know who they are: they're here,” Mourinho said. “For me, there is one who, individually, made history this summer,” he added, referencing Mbappé, who became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
Mbappé, the France captain, is among the contenders for the Ballon d'Or after finishing last season as the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the 2026 World Cup, despite failing to win a major trophy. His rivals include England striker Harry Kane, Spain midfielder and World Cup winner Rodri, and Paris Saint-Germain's European champions Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Award should honor 'players missed for ever'
“You cannot give the Ballon d'Or to a player simply because he won the Champions League or the World Cup,” Mourinho said. “The Ballon d'Or should go to one of those players who, when they retire, will be missed for ever. Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Zidane …”
“If we want to reward the Champions League, then give it to Luis Enrique. For the Spanish national team, give it to [Luis] De la Fuente. The best player in the world is something else and he is neither at PSG nor in the Spain team.”
Mbappé's form and Madrid's season
Mbappé scored a hat-trick in Wednesday's 4-1 win over Real Sociedad, and featured on the front page of Madrid-based sports daily AS on Saturday under the headline: “Mbappé targets the Ballon d'Or.”
Mourinho's side host promoted Málaga on Sunday as they seek a third straight victory to start their La Liga season.
