{
  "id": 4201685,
  "title": "Jose Mourinho says Kylian Mbappe worthy of Ballon d'Or",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/jose-mourinho-says-kylian-mbappe-worthy-of-ballon-dor-4201685",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T13:44:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/jose-mourinho-says-kylian-mbappe-worthy-of-ballon-dor-1.500656439"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho believes Kylian Mbappe is worthy of winning the Ballon d'Or award this year, arguing that the accolade should be given to the world's best player rather than being determined by league or international tournament success. Speaking ahead of Madrid's match against Malaga in La Liga, Mourinho noted that there are two to four of the best players in the world, and they are currently present in the team. He singled out Mbappe, who set the World Cup record for the fastest goal scorer with his performance during the tournament. The France captain is among several candidates for the Ballon d'Or, alongside Harry Kane, Rodri, Dembele, and Kvaratskhelia. Mourinho emphasized that the Ballon d'Or should be awarded to a player who leaves a lasting impact, citing legends like Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldo, Messi, and Zidane as examples.",
  "summary": "Mourinho says Mbappe worthy of Ballon d'Or",
  "key_points": [
    "Jose Mourinho believes Kylian Mbappe deserves Ballon d'Or.",
    "Mbappe set World Cup record for fastest goal scorer.",
    "Other candidates for award include Harry Kane, Rodri, Dembele, and Kvaratskhelia."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}