Jose Mourinho critiques Ballon d'Or criteria and backs Mbappe

On August 29, 2026, football manager Jose Mourinho shared his perspective on the criteria for the Ballon d'Or, arguing that the award should prioritize individual talent over collective team trophies. Mourinho stated that winning major competitions like the Champions League or the World Cup should not be the sole factor in determining the winner, suggesting that such logic could ironically make managers like Luis Enrique candidates for the prize.

The Portuguese manager emphasized that the award should honor players who leave a lasting legacy, citing legends such as Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazario, and Zinedine Zidane. In addition to his critique of the voting standards, Mourinho expressed his opinion that Kylian Mbappe is currently the player most deserving of the award. He also remarked that the world's best player is not currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain nor the Spanish national team, triggering intense debate among fans and experts regarding the current hierarchy of elite football talent.

Mourinho also hinted at the influence of political factors in the selection process, suggesting that individual impact and historical consistency should be the defining traits of a laureate. As of now, these comments have sparked widespread public discussion concerning the objectivity of individual football honors.