Former Real Madrid midfielder Guti has shared his thoughts on this year’s Ballon d’Or race, naming three players he believes are currently leading the battle for football’s most prestigious individual award.
The race for the Ballon d’Or appears particularly open this year, with several players having strong arguments in their favor. According to Guti, however, three names stand out above the rest: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé and Rodri.
“I think it will be between Kane, Mbappé and Rodri. I would prefer Mbappé to win it because he plays for Real Madrid. But Rodri could win it as well,” Guti said during the Menorca Clinic charity golf tournament.
The former Real Madrid midfielder admitted that the contest is difficult to predict because several players have enjoyed outstanding seasons. He also mentioned Fabian Ruiz, whose achievements, in his view, deserve greater recognition.
“The thing is that it is very close this year. Fabian Ruiz won the World Cup and the Champions League, but he doesn’t have the name needed to win a Ballon d’Or. If we judge it purely on merit, he should probably win it. But other players have much more recognition than him,” Guti added.
Beyond the Ballon d’Or discussion, Guti also reflected on the latest Madrid derby between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid, which ended in a 2-1 victory for the Colchoneros at the Metropolitano.
The former Spain international believes that some refereeing decisions had a significant influence on the final outcome of the match.
“I think there were decisions that were very important in the game, weren’t there? In my opinion, it was a poor match from both teams, and it is true that those decisions eventually contributed to Atlético winning the derby,” he explained.
Guti also defended José Mourinho after the Real Madrid coach publicly complained about two incidents in which he believed Atlético players should have been sent off.
According to Guti, Mourinho’s reaction was understandable and would have been similar regardless of who was sitting on the Real Madrid bench.
🚨 Guti : "Je veux que Mbappé GAGNE le Ballon d'Or car il joue au Real Madrid." ✅🤍 pic.twitter.com/xNRSt217Mr
— RMadrid actu 🇫🇷 (@RMadrid_actu) September 25, 2026
“I think any coach would have complained. Whether it was Mourinho, Ancelotti, Hansi Flick or Simeone, I think any of those four would have reacted in the same way.”
Despite Real Madrid’s recent setback, Guti remains optimistic about the club’s new project under Mourinho. He believes the Portuguese coach and the numerous new signings need time to adapt and build a competitive team.
“I’m excited. I’m excited about Mourinho’s arrival and about the new signings. But we have to give them time. It isn’t easy because there are a lot of new players and a new coach. They need time.”
For Guti, patience will therefore be essential as Real Madrid continue to develop under Mourinho.
“I think Real Madrid need calm and stability,” he concluded.
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