Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has said the winner of the 2026 Ballon d'Or does not need to have won silverware. According to the Daily Post, Mourinho made the remarks to the media after Madrid's 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan on Tuesday night. The Portuguese coach is also seeking to end Real Madrid's trophyless run this season.

France Football has clarified that it is not necessary for a player to be affiliated with a European club in order to win the Ballon d’Or, challenging a widely accepted notion in the football community. This statement aims to provide a broader understanding of the award's eligibility criteria.

Ballon d'Or organisers have addressed the ongoing discussion regarding the eligibility of players from outside Europe for the award. They stated that although historically, players from European clubs have dominated the prize, it remains accessible to footballers from any league globally. This clarification aims to emphasize the inclusivity of the award.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has said winning the UEFA Champions League matters more to him than any other prize, including the Ballon d'Or. According to the Daily Post, the France captain made the remarks after scoring in Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. Mbappe referred back to earlier comments he had made about the Ballon d'Or, stressing that lifting Europe's top club trophy remains his biggest ambition.

Jose Mourinho has issued a warning to Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal as Real Madrid prepare for their opening Champions League fixture, according to Legit.ng. The Portuguese manager, back at Real Madrid, is said to be targeting Champions League glory in his return while reflecting on his past achievements and focusing on future success. The comments come ahead of Real Madrid's clash with Inter Milan, with Mourinho aiming to make a strong statement in the competition.

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is openly discussing his Ballon d'Or ambitions as he enters the new Champions League season, according to Al Jazeera. The French international's confidence follows a historic goal-scoring performance at the World Cup, where he set a record tally. Mbappé's form for both club and country has placed him among the leading contenders for football's most prestigious individual honour, with the Champions League campaign offering a further stage to strengthen his case.