Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says Kylian Mbappe should win the Ballon d’Or because the award ought to recognise the best individual player rather than the footballer who has collected the most trophies.
Courtois was speaking during the international break, which he spent at Real Madrid’s training base at Valdebebas after agreeing with Belgium to be temporarily excused from national-team duty following the World Cup. The arrangement has allowed him to concentrate on his club commitments.
In an interview with Onda Cero, Courtois also discussed refereeing decisions, Barcelona’s Negreira case, Manchester City’s alleged rule violations and his family.
Asked about perceived inconsistencies in refereeing, the Belgium international rejected the idea that matches were being manipulated.
“I don’t think there’s any manipulation involved; I’m not that paranoid,” he said. “Some fouls are called on other pitches, but they don’t call them for us; on the contrary, they often call fouls against us.”
Courtois said the explanations given to players by officials did not always appear to correspond with decisions made in subsequent matches.
“There are some things that make you wonder… I don’t understand, they come to explain some things to us, but the very next week they do the complete opposite,” he added.
On the Negreira case, which has involved Barcelona, Courtois said: “Everyone is waiting for the verdict in the Negreira case; it’s a serious matter.”
The goalkeeper was unequivocal when asked who should receive this year’s Ballon d’Or.
“The award should definitely go to Mbappe; everyone is impressed by his speed and goals,” he said. “The Ballon d’Or should be given to the best player, not necessarily the one who wins the most trophies. By that logic, Carvajal should have won the award two years ago.”
Courtois also identified Barcelona forward Raphinha as one of the players he admires most, while highlighting the threat he poses ahead of the Clasico.
“I really admire Raphinha; he is very important to his team, scores many goals, and perhaps doesn’t get the recognition he deserves,” Courtois said. “We must contain him in the Clasico.”
He criticised the impact of Manchester City’s alleged rule violations, saying they had affected the sporting balance of the competition.
“What Manchester City did ultimately damaged the competition; perhaps they wouldn’t have been able to sign some of the players they have…” he said.
Courtois also revealed that his son plays as a forward in Real Madrid’s youth academy and shares some of Mbappe’s characteristics.
“My son plays in Real Madrid’s youth academy as a forward, very much like Mbappe; he also likes being a goalkeeper, but I’d prefer him not to be one, to avoid comparisons,” he said.
He warned against placing excessive expectations on young players.
“Some fathers think their son is the next Cristiano Ronaldo and then put a lot of pressure on the child… some children even give up football at 16; kids should enjoy themselves on the field.”
