Thibaut Courtois backs Kylian Mbappe for 2026 Ballon d’Or and questions voting criteria

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has thrown his support behind Kylian Mbappe in the race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, arguing that the forward deserves recognition for his individual performances despite his club’s lack of major trophies.

Speaking to DAZN Belgium ahead of Monday’s ceremony in London, Courtois said he believed his Real Madrid teammate had been the outstanding individual performer of the season.

“I think Kylian deserves it. Do we choose someone who has won trophies or someone who has been above the others throughout the season, even without winning anything?” the Belgian goalkeeper asked.

He added: “I think nobody has been better than Mbappé individually, but unfortunately, we haven’t won anything collectively.”

Courtois also acknowledged the achievements of Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, who is another prominent contender for the award after winning the World Cup with Spain and La Liga with Barcelona.

“For me, he had a slightly less impressive World Cup, but he became world champion, won La Liga with Barcelona and had a good year,” Courtois said.

The Belgian goalkeeper also revisited the controversy surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or, when Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the award ahead of Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.

Courtois questioned whether Rodri’s performances that year justified the accolade, arguing that the midfielder had a stronger case in the previous season, when Manchester City won the Champions League.

His remarks underline the ongoing debate over whether the Ballon d’Or should place greater emphasis on individual performances or team achievements.

The 2026 ceremony will take place at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, with Mbappe, Yamal and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane among the leading contenders.