José Mourinho has declared that Kylian Mbappé deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, emphasizing that the accolade should reward the best player globally rather than hinge on achievements in the World Cup or Champions League.

In comments made before Real Madrid's match against Málaga in La Liga, Mourinho stated, “The best players in the world, there are two, three or four of them, and we know who they are: they’re here.” He particularly lauded Mbappé, referencing his historic achievement as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

Mbappé stands out as a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or after finishing last season as the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the 2026 World Cup, despite lacking a major trophy. His competition includes:

• Harry Kane (England striker)
• Rodri (Spain midfielder and World Cup winner)
• Ousmane Dembélé (PSG, Champions of Europe)
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Following a hat-trick in Real Madrid's recent 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, Mbappé captured headlines, with Madrid sports daily AS featuring him under the title: “Mbappé targets the Ballon d’Or.”

Mourinho asserted, “You cannot give the Ballon d’Or to a player simply because he won the Champions League or the World Cup. The Ballon d’Or should go to one of those players who, when they retire, will be missed forever,” listing legends like Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, and Zidane.

He concluded by suggesting, “If we want to reward the Champions League, then give it to Luis Enrique. For the Spanish national team, give it to [Luis] De la Fuente. The best player in the world is something else and he is neither at PSG nor in the Spain team.”

Mourinho’s team aims for a third consecutive victory in their La Liga campaign as they prepare to face Málaga on Sunday.