Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the criteria used in selecting the winner of the Ballon d’Or, arguing that individual excellence should not be overshadowed by a player’s team achievements.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s home game against newly promoted FC Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Portuguese coach said winning major trophies such as the UEFA Champions League or the FIFA World Cup should not automatically guarantee a player the prestigious individual honour.
Mourinho believes the award should instead recognise exceptional footballers whose talent and influence leave a lasting impression on the game.
He pointed to legendary names including Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane and Lothar Matthäus as players whose impact transcended trophies and whose absence is still felt after their playing careers.
According to him, team accomplishments should be celebrated differently rather than being used as the primary basis for determining the world’s best player.
Mourinho suggested that coaches and entire teams could receive special recognition for outstanding collective achievements, citing Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and successful teams as examples of those deserving recognition for their collective accomplishments.
The Ballon d’Or assessment for the current edition covers performances between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026, meaning displays for both clubs and national teams, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, will be considered. The winner is determined by 100 journalists representing the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings, with each voter ranking 10 players and assigning points based on their positions, from 15 points for first place down to one point for 10th place.
