Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has described Kylian Mbappé as a one-of-a-kind footballer following the French striker’s failure to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or award.

Mbappé finished second in the voting, with Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane claiming the prestigious individual honour at Monday’s ceremony in London.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s LaLiga fixture against Racing Santander on Sunday, Mourinho highlighted Mbappé’s exceptional qualities and made a remarkable claim about his achievements at the FIFA World Cup.

The Portuguese tactician acknowledged that several football legends, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Michel Platini, have won the Ballon d’Or multiple times.

However, he insisted that the World Cup record held by Mbappé sets him apart.

“Kylian is unique. Some players like Messi, Cristiano, Ronaldo, or Platini have won the Ballon d’Or multiple times,” Mourinho said.

“Every year we have a Ballon d’Or, but the best player in the history of the World Cups is only one.”

Mbappé currently holds the record as the highest-scoring player in FIFA World Cup history, with 22 goals to his name.

The France captain also claimed the Golden Boot at the tournament after finishing as the competition’s leading goalscorer, ahead of Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

Despite missing out on the 2026 Ballon d’Or, Mourinho’s comments underline his admiration for the Real Madrid forward and his remarkable contributions on the international stage.