José Mourinho backs Kylian Mbappé for Ballon d'Or and sets squad rotation for Málaga

Ballon d'Or criteria and backing for Mbappé

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho addressed the selection criteria for the Ballon d'Or, arguing that the award should recognize individual quality rather than collective silverware. Speaking on Saturday ahead of Real Madrid's league match against Málaga, the Portuguese coach stated that team triumphs belong to managers, pointing to Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente as the proper candidates for collective honours. Mourinho insisted that the men's player prize belongs to Kylian Mbappé, who became the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history during the summer tournament.

You cannot give the Ballon d'Or to a player because he wins the Champions League or the World Cup. If you want to reward these titles, reward the coaches. For the Ballon d'Or, the question is Luis Enrique or Luis de la Fuente. The player is someone else.

Mourinho explained his view of the award by listing retired footballers whose absence leaves a lasting void in the game, naming Diego Maradona, Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane, and Lothar Matthäus. He stated that the winner is not at Paris Saint-Germain or in the Spanish national team, but in Madrid. Mourinho also criticized the political dimensions of the voting process, repeating that managerial awards should resolve between Luis Enrique and Luis de la Fuente while the player award belongs to Mbappé.

Squad adjustments ahead of Málaga fixture

The press conference outlined Real Madrid's squad plans for Sunday's 17:00 match at the Santiago Bernabéu. Left-back Marc Cucurella will earn his first start for the club, with Álvaro Carreras resting on the substitutes' bench after starting consecutive matches against Espanyol and Real Sociedad. Mourinho explained that physical conditions vary across the group following uneven pre-season preparations, noting that Carreras can enter around the 70th or 75th minute if Cucurella tires.

Central defender Ousmane Diomande, who arrived late in the summer without pre-season training at RB Leipzig, is building fitness and will either start or come on as a substitute against Málaga. Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni and forward Endrick remain unavailable through injury. Mourinho also offered detailed praise for Jude Bellingham, citing his physical output, tactical discipline, aerial ability, mental toughness, and goal-scoring capacity.

Fan relations and Vinicius Júnior

The upcoming match follows renewed friction between sections of the Santiago Bernabéu crowd and Vinicius Júnior during Wednesday's fixture against Real Sociedad. Whistles directed at the Brazilian forward emerged following misplaced actions, continuing an uneasy relationship that began in late 2025 during the final weeks of former coach Xabi Alonso. Discontent peaked in January 2026 after Alonso was dismissed and the team exited the Copa del Rey against Albacete, resulting in heavy boos during a home game against Levante.

Mourinho has publicly defended Vinicius, stating that the forward faces bullying from opponents and inadequate protection from referees. The stance differs from February 2026, when Mourinho, then managing Benfica, questioned the Brazilian's goal celebrations in Lisbon before an incident involving Gianluca Prestianni. While portions of the crowd have countered the whistles with applause, fan frustration in past months also targeted Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and club president Florentino Pérez.