Mourinho hails Kane’s Ballon d’Or moment but is stunned by Bellingham ranking

Jose Mourinho says Real Madrid must respect Racing Santander ahead of Sunday’s La Liga meeting, while admitting he was “almost speechless” that Jude Bellingham finished 11th in the Ballon d’Or voting.

Racing Santander have won three and drawn two of their five home matches since returning to the top flight. Mourinho expects another demanding test at El Sardinero on 1 November 2026.

“We are in good shape, working well and have prepared properly for this match,” Mourinho said at his pre-match news conference.

“It is being played on Sunday afternoon, a time we are no longer used to. It will be a difficult game. The last victory will only be truly important if we can follow it with another win. If we do not, it will not have the same meaning.”

Mourinho added that Racing Santander’s approach under their manager was clear and that his side would not be taken by surprise.

“They have a very specific style and will play with the ambition of winning, in line with their coach’s methods,” he said. “We have to respect them. We know how difficult this match will be.”

The Real Madrid manager also discussed Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or success, saying he was pleased for the England striker despite being disappointed that his own player had not won the award.

“I had the privilege of working with Harry Kane. He is a wonderful player, an outstanding professional and a great person,” Mourinho said.

“Of course, I am disappointed that my player did not win, but I have to be honest and say I am extremely happy for Harry. He deserves this joy as both a player and a person, at his current age, which I do not know whether is 31 or 32. He deserves this happy moment, which represents the culmination of his career.”

Mourinho described Kylian as “a unique player” and said there was no issue with a player winning the Ballon d’Or more than once, citing Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario and Platini as previous multiple winners.

“But we award the Ballon d’Or every year, while there is only one player who is the greatest in World Cup history,” he said. “That is something completely unique, and Kylian is a unique player.”

However, Bellingham’s position surprised him most.

“As for the voting, what shocked me most and left me almost speechless was seeing Jude Bellingham in 11th place,” Mourinho said. “No comment. We will end the discussion there.”

Mourinho said Real Madrid’s mood had not changed since their El Clasico victory. He said the players had celebrated in Barcelona before returning by bus and plane, taking a day off and resuming training normally.

“The seriousness in our work pleased me greatly,” he said. “Our objective this season is not to beat Barcelona in one match, but to win the title. That is the path we are trying to follow.”