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Diego Maradona's legacy debated by Mourinho in Ballon d'Or comments

2026-08-29 · Diego Maradona · Opinion

Diego Maradona's legacy debated by Mourinho in Ballon d'Or comments

Diego Maradona's name was invoked by a top manager this week in a debate about football's highest individual honor. Jose Mourinho argued the Ballon d'Or should reward players like Maradona for their lasting impact, not just team trophies.

Mourinho says Ballon d'Or is about legacy, not just trophies

Speaking at a press conference before Real Madrid's game against FC Malaga, Mourinho made a strong case for how the award should be judged. The Real Madrid manager said you cannot give the Ballon d'Or to a player just because he won the Champions League or World Cup. He believes it should go to players whose individual brilliance leaves a mark forever.

"For me, the Ballon d'Or has to go to one of those players we will miss for eternity when they stop playing," Mourinho said. "I miss Maradona, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cristiano, Messi, Zizou, Lothar Matthäus... I miss these people." He suggested that if the award is meant to honor team success, it should instead go to the coach or the national team.

This perspective places Maradona in a category with modern greats like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing his undiminished status in football history. Mourinho's comments come as the football world looks ahead to a new season of elite competition.

Champions League season kicks off with major fixtures

The stage for future Ballon d'Or contenders is being set with the confirmation of the 2026-27 Champions League fixtures. The full schedule was released by UEFA on Saturday, August 29, following the previous Thursday's draw. The league phase begins in early September, with all matchups now confirmed for the Premier League's five representatives.

Aston Villa will be the first English side in action, traveling to face Club Brugge on September 8 in a 5.45pm kick-off. Defending champions Manchester City start their campaign away at Porto later that same evening. The following day features two heavyweight clashes: Liverpool host Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid at Anfield, and Arsenal travel to Italy to take on Napoli. Both those matches kick off at 8pm.

Manchester United's return to the competition begins on September 10 with a home game against newcomers Sabah from Azerbaijan.

  • Mourinho's View: The Ballon d'Or should honor eternal brilliance like Maradona's, not just team trophies.
  • Champions League Start: The 2026-27 league phase begins on September 8, with Villa at Club Brugge.
  • Key Early Game: Liverpool face Atletico Madrid at Anfield on September 9 in an 8pm kick-off.
  • United's Opener: Manchester United begin their campaign on September 10 at home to debutants Sabah.

While current stars battle on the pitch, Mourinho's remarks ensure the legendary Argentine's influence remains a benchmark for greatness. His point connects past icons to present debates, reminding everyone that some players' magic defines eras beyond silverware.

More Diego Maradona news →