Real Madrid coach José Mourinho believes Kylian Mbappé deserves this year's Ballon d'Or, arguing the award should recognize the world's best player rather than be tied to World Cup or Champions League success.
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Speaking to reporters ahead of Madrid's La Liga match against Málaga, Mourinho said there are only a handful of truly elite players in the world today, and that they're well known, including those on his own team. He singled out Mbappé as someone who, in his view, made history individually this summer, referencing the forward becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup history during the tournament.
The France captain is among the frontrunners for the Ballon d'Or after finishing last season as the top scorer across La Liga, the Champions League, and the 2026 World Cup, despite not lifting a major trophy. His main rivals for the award include England's Harry Kane, Spain midfielder and World Cup winner Rodri, and PSG's European champions Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Mbappé, who scored a hat-trick in Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Real Sociedad on Wednesday, was also featured on the front page of Madrid sports paper AS on Saturday, highlighting his Ballon d'Or ambitions.
