Mourinho Supports Mbappé for Ballon d'Or, Believing Individual Brilliance Trumps Team Trophies

Following Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Inter, José Mourinho expressed his strong conviction that Kylian Mbappé is a deserving candidate for this year's Ballon d'Or. He argued that the world's best player can still achieve this prestigious individual award even if their team doesn't secure major trophies, and conversely, winning everything doesn't automatically make someone the best in the world.

The narrative for Mbappé's Ballon d'Or campaign appears to be gaining momentum. The Real Madrid forward has repeatedly stated his belief in his own eligibility for the award, and now he has received significant endorsement from his coach, José Mourinho. After Real Madrid's 2-1 win against Inter in the Champions League on Tuesday, the Portuguese manager told Canal+, "The best player in the world can have a season without a title." He further elaborated that one could "win everything and not be the best player in the world."

The Ballon d'Or discussion has intensified with the recent unveiling of the 30 finalists. The French national team captain had publicly declared the previous day that this year "might be the one" for him to clinch his first Ballon d'Or, citing his historic achievement as the top scorer in the World Cup over the summer.

"Of course, I vote for Mbappé"

In addition to his coach, the 2018 World Cup winner has also garnered support from Ibrahima Konaté, who stated he "votes for Mbappé." While the Real Madrid dressing room may not be overtly discussing the award, Mbappé, who was the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the World Cup last year, did not win any of these competitions. Despite this, he feels he is a legitimate contender for the coveted prize, which will be presented on October 26th in London.

Mbappé himself commented on Monday, "When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, you are naturally associated with these kinds of individual awards. When people see me on the street, they talk about me as a potential Ballon d'Or winner. It's true that I made history this summer in the most prestigious competition in world sport, so I have the feeling that this might be the right year to win it."

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English Translation:

Speaking to Canal+ after Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Inter, José Mourinho stated his conviction that Kylian Mbappé can win the Ballon d'Or this year, despite the absence of major titles with both Real Madrid and the French national team.

The Mbappé campaign appears to be underway. While the Real Madrid forward himself has repeatedly admitted he feels he is a legitimate candidate for this year's Ballon d'Or, he has received significant backing from his coach, José Mourinho. After Real Madrid's 2-1 win against Inter in the Champions League on Tuesday, the Portuguese manager told Canal+, "The best player in the world can have a season without a title." Conversely, he also argued, "You can win everything and not be the best player in the world."

The topic of the Ballon d'Or has resurfaced in recent hours, with the list of 30 finalists unveiled on Tuesday. The day before, the French national team captain had emphatically reiterated that this year "might be the right one" to win his first Ballon d'Or, after "making history" in football by becoming the all-time leading scorer in the World Cup this summer.

"Of course, I vote for Mbappé"

In addition to his coach, the 2018 World Cup winner has also received support from Ibrahima Konaté, who stated he "votes for Mbappé," even though the Real Madrid locker room doesn't discuss the matter extensively. The Frenchman, who was the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, and the World Cup last year, did not win any of these competitions. However, this has not stopped him from feeling he is a legitimate contender for the ultimate prize on October 26th in London.

Mbappé indicated on Monday, "When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, you are naturally associated with these kinds of individual awards. When people see me on the street, they talk about me as a potential Ballon d'Or winner. It's true that I made history this summer in the most prestigious competition in world sport, so I have the feeling that this might be the right year to win it."