August 29, 2026
José Mourinho has insisted that the Ballon d’Or should be awarded to the best individual player in the world, rather than simply going to a player because his team won the Champions League or World Cup.
The Real Madrid coach made the remarks at his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s home clash with Málaga on Sunday.
Madrid have won their first two matches already having faced Espanyol and Real Sociedad this season and will be looking to continue their campaign against Málaga.
The Portuguese tactician argued that the Ballon d’Or should recognise players whose exceptional careers leave a lasting legacy, citing football legends such as Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazário and Zinedine Zidane as examples.
