José Mourinho backs Mbappe’s Ballon d’Or case

José Mourinho has endorsed Kylian Mbappe’s claim to the Ballon d’Or, arguing that the award should not automatically go to a player who has collected the most team trophies. His support came after Real Madrid defeated Inter 2-1 in the Champions League.

Mourinho’s view is that the world’s best player can finish a season without winning a title, while a player who wins everything is not necessarily the best individual performer. The comments strengthen Mbappe’s public case as the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist has been announced.

Mbappe has repeatedly said he believes this could be the year he wins the award for the first time. He led the scoring charts in La Liga, the Champions League and the World Cup last year, but did not win any of those competitions. He also became the leading scorer in World Cup history this summer, a milestone he cited when explaining why he feels entitled to be considered.

The France captain has received backing from Mourinho and Ibrahima Konaté, who has said he would vote for him. The subject is not a major discussion inside the Real Madrid dressing room, however. Mbappe’s chance will be decided at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on October 26.