Reaction continued after Harry Kane won the 2026 Ballon d'Or ahead of Kylian Mbappé by 28 points. Real Madrid manager José Mourinho spoke on Saturday about Mbappé's response to the result, while former France international Bixente Lizarazu and Ghanaian journalist Michael Oti Adjei also gave their views.
Mourinho on Mbappé's response
Mourinho said in his pregame press conference: "Kylian is very intelligent and mature, with a very high level of self-esteem. And at the same time, he has class. The way he interpreted the Ballon d’Or for Harry, I only saw a sense of class and respect. One thing is knowing you’re the best, and another is having respect for someone who has done a lot to win a trophy. From Kylian, I only see class."
Mourinho also said: "Every year we have a Ballon d'Or, but the best player in the history of the World Cups is only one."
Bellingham position surprises Mourinho
Mourinho said he was surprised that Jude Bellingham finished 11th in the Ballon d'Or voting. He said: "Regarding the Ballon d'Or voting, the thing that left me a bit surprised is the position of Jude Bellingham, who was 11th. No further comments."
Lizarazu's comments on Telefoot
Lizarazu said on Telefoot: "He gave us a wonderful World Cup. I thought he was a steady leader of the French national team, carrying a strong message for the squad. But after that, with the Ballon d'Or, he lost control completely. I did not like that at all."
He continued: "He drifted towards an excessively individual stance, lacking humility, focusing on promoting himself and somewhat ignoring others. He gave the impression that he was the only one who mattered and that no one else existed. Did that harm him? I do not think so, because in the end, the decision was in the hands of 100 journalists from 100 countries."
The 1998 World Cup winner added: "Mbappé must now return to the French national team with a focus on collective work. Because whatever happens, it is the values of the team that will lead France to victory. And he is coming from a period in which he has not won any title with his clubs or national teams."
How one journalist voted
Flashscore reported that Michael Oti Adjei voted for Mbappé first on his 2026 Ballon d'Or ballot, with Kane second and Lamine Yamal third. Flashscore also states that the 2026 Ballon d'Or was decided by a panel of 100 journalists representing the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings.
Oti Adjei said: "Because I am convinced he is the best player in the world based on everything he did in the season. That is a good enough reason."
