Jose Mourinho backs Kylian Mbappe for 2026 Ballon d’Or

Jose Mourinho has named Kylian Mbappe as his choice to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, arguing that the absence of a major team trophy should not prevent the Real Madrid forward from receiving football’s leading individual award.

France Football magazine, in partnership with UEFA, announced a 30-player shortlist for the prize on Tuesday. Mbappe was included after a season in which he finished as the leading scorer in La Liga, the UEFA Champions League and the World Cup.

Mourinho made his preference clear after Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League. Speaking to Canal+, the Portuguese coach defended Mbappe’s candidacy despite the player ending the campaign without a major trophy with either Real Madrid or the France national team.

“Even the best player in the world can go through a season without winning any trophies. A player can win everything and still not be the best player in the world,” Mourinho said.

He then gave an unequivocal answer when asked who would receive his vote.

“Of course, I would vote for Mbappe.”

The backing represents significant support for Mbappe, who has openly defended his claim to the award despite Real Madrid and France falling short of major honours during the season.

Mbappe, France’s captain, believes his individual achievements have strengthened his case. He says he made history at the World Cup by becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, while also pointing to his performances across the domestic and European campaigns.

The forward suggested on Monday that playing for Real Madrid naturally places him in contention for individual awards.

“When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, you inevitably become associated with such individual awards,” Mbappe said.

He also indicated that he believes 2026 could finally be the year he wins the Ballon d’Or for the first time.

“It could be the year,” Mbappe said.

Mourinho’s endorsement came after his comments about the importance of separating individual quality from collective success. His view is that a player’s Ballon d’Or prospects should not depend entirely on whether his club or country has lifted a major trophy.

France defender Ibrahima Konate has also announced that he will vote for Mbappe. The winner of the award will be revealed in London on 26 October.

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