José Mourinho has shared his thoughts on the Ballon d’Or. He believes that winning the Champions League or the World Cup should not automatically make a player the favorite for the award. Over the years, players from teams that lift the biggest trophies have often been in pole position. But Mourinho thinks the award should recognize individual brilliance that leaves a lasting mark on the game.
He said the Ballon d’Or cannot be awarded to a player just because he has won a major trophy. He named some of the greatest players in football history as examples. He said he misses players like Maradona, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Zinedine Zidane. He suggested that the award be meant to honor Champions League or international success. Then that should go to the coaches or teams responsible. He mentioned Luis Enrique and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente as examples.
He separated the idea of winning trophies from being the best individual player in the world. He said the best players are two, three, or four, and everyone knows who they are. He also hinted that one player made history individually this summer.
Mourinho also suggested that factors beyond football could influence the award. He admitted he is less comfortable with it when he feels politics enters the picture. He said the Ballon d’Or is also something political, and he does not like it when that happens. His comments were a clear statement on how he views the award.
José Mourinho Picks Kylian Mbappé for the 2026 Ballon d’Or
José Mourinho has picked Kylian Mbappé as his choice for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. He argued that the award should recognize individual brilliance rather than simply go to someone who lifted the Champions League or World Cup. He made this clear ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Málaga.
Mourinho believes Mbappé has a strong claim because of what he achieved individually this summer. He pointed to Mbappé becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. He said Mbappé made history individually.
Mbappé’s season was extraordinary. He scored 43 goals in 47 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions. He finished as the leading scorer in both La Liga and the Champions League. At the World Cup, he scored 10 goals in eight appearances. These achievements made him the highest-scoring player in football history
His biggest problem is that he did not win a major trophy last season. Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League, and Spain won the World Cup. Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Rodri are strong contenders because of those wins. But Mourinho does not believe winning those competitions should automatically decide the award.
He said the best players in the world are two, three, or four, and they are here. He indicated that several leading candidates are part of his squad. He also said the Ballon d’Or should go to players we miss for eternity when they retire. He named Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Zinedine Zidane as examples.
He took the argument further. He suggested that if the award is simply about rewarding winners, then the coaches responsible for those victories should be recognized instead. He said if we want to reward the Champions League, give it to Luis Enrique. For the Spanish team, give it to Luis de la Fuente. He added that the best player in the world is neither at PSG nor on the Spanish team.
Mourinho’s comments put Mbappé ahead of several leading contenders. He also noted that his own squad has several players who could feature prominently. Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham are both expected to be in contention alongside Mbappé. Mbappé has never won the Ballon d’Or.
FAQs
Q. What does José Mourinho think should decide the Ballon d’Or?
A. Mourinho believes individual brilliance should matter most.
Q. Who is Mourinho’s pick for the 2026 Ballon d’Or?
A. Mourinho has picked Kylian Mbappé for the award.
Q. Does Mourinho think major trophies should decide the award?
A. No. Mourinho says trophies should not automatically decide it.
Q. Which legendary players did Mourinho mention?
A. Mourinho mentioned Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Messi, and Zidane.
Get the Latest UEFA Champions League, and at IceCric.News. Follow for Live Updates – Facebook & Instagram.
