Jose Mourinho backs Mbappe for 2026 Ballon d'Or

Jose Mourinho has placed Kylian Mbappe at the centre of his early campaign for the 2026 Ballon d'Or. The Real Madrid coach believes the award should recognise the world's best individual player rather than automatically going to the winner of the World Cup or the Champions League.

Mbappe's case is strengthened by a remarkable individual season. The France captain finished as the leading scorer in La Liga, the Champions League and the 2026 World Cup, although he did not win a trophy. He also became the World Cup's all-time leading scorer this summer. On Wednesday, he opened his new campaign with three goals in Real Madrid's 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

Mourinho said the leading candidates are already identifiable and argued that Mbappe's impact sets him apart. He distinguished the best player award from prizes that might instead recognise a successful team or coach, pointing to Luis Enrique for a Champions League honour and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente for a World Cup-related award.

Mbappe is among the listed contenders alongside England striker Harry Kane, Spain's World Cup winner Rodri and Paris Saint-Germain's European champions Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Mourinho's backing comes as Madrid sports daily AS highlights Mbappe's own Ballon d'Or ambition.