Courtois Backs Mbappe for Ballon d’Or, Questions Award’s Voting Criteria

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has backed teammate Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or, arguing that the French forward has been the best individual performer despite the club’s failure to win major trophies last season.

Courtois said the award’s voting process can be difficult to understand, questioning whether voters should prioritise team achievements or individual performances when deciding the world’s best player.

Speaking to DAZN, the Belgian goalkeeper said he believed Mbappe deserved the honour but acknowledged that the absence of collective silverware could count against him.

“I think Kylian deserves it, but people vote according to their own logic,” Courtois said. “Do we choose someone who has won trophies, or someone who has been above everyone else throughout the season, even if they have not won anything?”

He added: “I am thinking especially of Kylian. I think individually nobody has been better than Kylian, but unfortunately, we have not won anything collectively.”

Mbappe’s individual numbers have strengthened his case. According to the supplied report, the French forward scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid last season. However, his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or could be affected by the team’s lack of major trophies.

Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is also considered a strong contender. Courtois acknowledged the teenager’s achievements, including winning La Liga with Barcelona and helping Spain secure the European Championship, while suggesting Mbappe had delivered stronger individual performances.

Courtois also revisited the 2024 Ballon d’Or result, when Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the award ahead of Real Madrid players Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal. He suggested Rodri might have had a stronger claim in the previous year, when Manchester City won the Champions League.

Away from the award debate, Courtois provided an update on his future at Real Madrid. With his contract reportedly due to expire in the summer of 2027, he said discussions were ongoing and expressed a desire to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for the long term.

“It is not finalised yet. In principle, it should be resolved quickly. There is no problem,” Courtois said, explaining that his agent and father still needed to discuss the final details. He added that he was doing everything possible to extend his stay.

The goalkeeper also addressed his relationship with Belgium’s national team after a period away from international duty. He said he had been removed from the players’ WhatsApp group but remained open to returning to the squad under new leadership.

Courtois insisted he would not demand a guaranteed starting position if recalled, saying he was confident in his ability to compete for a place. He indicated that he could make himself available for selection as early as November, although any return would depend on the national team’s decisions.