Courtois Backs Mbappé Over Yamal for Ballon d'Or Ahead of El Clásico
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has backed Kylian Mbappé to win the 2026 Ballon d'Or, arguing that the French forward was the best individual player of the season despite Madrid's lack of trophies. Courtois said Mbappé's performances, including 10 goals at the World Cup and 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid, should carry more weight than team honours. He compared Mbappé's World Cup displays with Lamine Yamal's, while acknowledging that the Barcelona star won both the World Cup with Spain and La Liga. The debate adds more tension ahead of Sunday's El Clásico between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Ballon d'Or winner is expected to be announced the following day, with Mbappé, Yamal and Harry Kane among the leading contenders.
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