Mbappe, who currently captains France, finds himself among the primary contenders for the prize following a prolific campaign. Despite his teams failing to secure a major trophy last season, the forward finished as the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the 2026 World Cup. His individual impact was further cemented during the World Cup, where he became the all-time leading scorer in the history of the tournament.
Mourinho Prioritises Individual Brilliance Over Team Trophies
Speaking to reporters ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Malaga, Mourinho dismissed the notion that the Ballon d'Or should be tied to collective silverware. He suggested that if the award were intended to reward team achievements, it should instead be presented to managers like Luis Enrique or Luis De la Fuente, who led their respective sides to Champions League and international success.
Mourinho emphasised that the Ballon d'Or should be reserved for players who leave a lasting legacy on the sport, comparing the current generation to icons such as Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Zinedine Zidane. He maintained that the best player in the world is a distinct category, asserting that this individual is currently neither at Paris Saint-Germain nor within the Spanish national setup.
A Competitive Field for the Top Prize
The debate surrounding Mbappe’s candidacy comes as the forward continues to demonstrate his lethal form. Most recently, he netted a hat-trick during a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, a performance that saw him featured prominently on the front page of the Madrid-based sports daily AS under the headline: “Mbappe targets the Ballon d’Or”.
Despite his strong case, Mbappe faces stiff competition for the award. Other notable contenders include England’s Harry Kane, Spain’s World Cup-winning midfielder Rodri, and the Paris Saint-Germain duo of Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, both of whom enjoyed success in European competition. As the football world awaits the final decision, Mourinho’s vocal backing adds a significant layer of intrigue to the ongoing conversation regarding the criteria for football's highest individual honour.
