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Mourinho’s Ballon d’Or Verdict Puts Mbappé Debate in Spotlight
Published : Sunday, 13 September, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has criticised the way the Ballon d’Or is judged while backing Kylian Mbappé to win the 2026 award.
Mourinho said the Ballon d’Or should go to a player whose absence would be deeply felt after retirement, rather than automatically to someone who has won the Champions League or World Cup.
His preferred candidate is Mbappé, who enjoyed a prolific campaign. The France captain finished as the top scorer in La Liga and the Champions League before winning the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot and becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
However, Mbappé’s case is weakened by Real Madrid’s lack of a major trophy and France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. He also faced criticism for his overall influence in some important matches despite his impressive scoring numbers.
Harry Kane currently leads several Ballon d’Or rankings after scoring 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich, while World Cup winner Rodri and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal are also among the leading contenders. PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Vitinha are also in contention after their Champions League success.
Mourinho said the Ballon d’Or should go to a player whose absence would be deeply felt after retirement, rather than automatically to someone who has won the Champions League or World Cup.
His preferred candidate is Mbappé, who enjoyed a prolific campaign. The France captain finished as the top scorer in La Liga and the Champions League before winning the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot and becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
However, Mbappé’s case is weakened by Real Madrid’s lack of a major trophy and France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. He also faced criticism for his overall influence in some important matches despite his impressive scoring numbers.
Harry Kane currently leads several Ballon d’Or rankings after scoring 61 goals in 51 matches for Bayern Munich, while World Cup winner Rodri and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal are also among the leading contenders. PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Vitinha are also in contention after their Champions League success.
Mbappé remains a strong candidate, but Mourinho’s argument that individual brilliance should matter more than team silverware does not necessarily make the French forward the obvious winner.
The 2026 race remains open ahead of the awards ceremony.
-AAH
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
