Mourinho Criticizes Ballon d'Or Criteria for Overemphasizing Team Success

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has criticized the criteria often used to determine the winner of the Ballon d'Or, arguing the prestigious individual award should recognize the world's best player regardless of team success. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, August 29, 2026, Mourinho stated that the honor should go to players who will be "missed for eternity when they retire," rather than being automatically awarded to members of World Cup or Champions League-winning squads. Mourinho's comments came as he previewed his team's upcoming La Liga match against Malaga.