During a press conference before Real Madrid's match against Malaga in the third round of La Liga, Mourinho offered a lengthy analysis of his perspective on the sport's highest individual honor. The Portuguese coach asserted that the Ballon d'Or should be reserved for players whose influence extends beyond a successful season or a major title, those who leave a legacy that the football world will forever remember.

"It is a beautiful thing for an individual player", he stated. "You have the chance to write your name in history. We have about ten players at a very high level, and among them, three or four are at the top tier. It is completely normal for them to have ambition. For me, the Ballon d'Or must be for players who, when they retire, we will remember forever."

Coach Jose Mourinho speaks during a press conference before the Real Madrid versus Malaga match in the third round of La Liga on 29/8. *Photo: Real Madrid FC*

According to "The Special One", the Ballon d'Or should not solely be an award for team titles. While the Champions League or World Cup can create a memorable season, the award's value also lies in the mark an individual leaves on football history. He cited legends who have won the Ballon d'Or, such as Diego Maradona, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, and Lothar Matthaus.

Mourinho emphasized the need to distinguish between the world's best player and the player with the most successful season in terms of titles. The 63-year-old coach stressed that the Ballon d'Or winner does not necessarily have to be from PSG—the Champions League winner—or the Spain national team—the 2026 World Cup champion.

"The Ballon d'Or has a political element, and if politics interferes, I don't like it", Mourinho said. "Everyone knows my opinion on the Ballon d'Or. We cannot create criteria ourselves in Spain or PSG. If so, Enrique or De la Fuente could be given the award. But the best player in the world is a different matter. That person doesn't necessarily have to be from PSG or the Spain national team. There are two, three, or four people, and we know who they are. We know who made history individually this summer."

According to Spanish media, Mourinho implicitly suggested Mbappe is a worthy candidate for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The phrase "we know who made history individually this summer" was also mentioned by Mourinho at a press conference at Bernabeu on 26/8, when he was asked about the French forward.

Kylian Mbappe celebrates a goal during the 2026 World Cup third-place play-off match between France and England at Miami Gardens stadium, Florida, US on 18/7. *Photo: AP*

At the 2026 World Cup, despite France finishing in fourth place, Mbappe made a significant impact, winning the Golden Boot with 10 goals and 4 assists. This achievement made him the highest goal scorer in World Cup finals history, with 22 goals in 22 matches across the 2018, 2022, and 2026 tournaments. Following him are Lionel Messi with 21 goals in 34 matches across six tournaments and Miroslav Klose with 16 goals in 24 matches across four tournaments.

At the club level, Mbappe also concluded the 2025-2026 club season as the top scorer in both La Liga (with 25 goals) and the Champions League (with 15 goals). In essence, the 27-year-old forward ended the past football year with three Golden Boots at both club and national team levels.

However, Mbappe faces a disadvantage in the 2026 Ballon d'Or race, having not won any team titles. Lamine Yamal and Rodri, the duo who won the 2026 World Cup with the Spain national team, are considered stronger contenders. The list of candidates also includes reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia, Michael Olise, Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane.

Hong Duy (according to Marca)