José Mourinho has said Kylian Mbappé deserves to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, arguing the award should go to the best player in the world rather than be decided by World Cup or Champions League success. The France captain is among the contenders 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 failing to win a major trophy. His rivals include the England striker Harry Kane, the Spain midfielder and World Cup winner Rodri and Paris Saint-Germain’s European champions Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Mbappé, who scored a hat-trick in Wednesday’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad, featured on the front page of Madrid-based sports daily AS on Saturday under the headline: “Mbappé targets the Ballon d’Or”. Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Zidane …” he said. 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 side host promoted Málaga on Sunday as they seek a third straight victory to start their La Liga season.
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