2026 Ballon d’Or: Why Thibaut Courtois Says Mbappé Should Win Without a Team Trophy

Ahead of the October 25 Clasico, Thibaut Courtois named his Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé as his favorite for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. He said the award should recognize the best player rather than the player who won the most trophies; Mbappé has scored 42 goals in 44 matches despite winning no team trophy with Real Madrid. Courtois also identified Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane as contenders and praised Barcelona forward Raphinha. The Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for October 26, the day after the Clasico.