He's up there with Ronaldo — Jose Mourinho hails star after UCL win

Mbappe scored the opening goal in the 14th minute against Inter, taking his tally to five goals in five matches across all competitions this season.

He also registered a hat-trick in the 4-1 La Liga win over Real Sociedad and found the net against Malaga.

Speaking to Canal+, following Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Inter Milan, Mourinho said:

“I rank him right up there among the players I’ve coached. I don’t like comparisons.

"I’ve had players like Ronaldo Nazario. But Kylian is right up there! Kylian is incredible.”

The goal against Inter was particularly significant, as it moved the 27-year-old level with Real Madrid legend Raul on 71 Champions League goals, placing him joint-fifth on the all-time scoring list in the competition.

Mourinho, who worked with Ronaldo Nazario at Barcelona in the mid-1990s, rarely elevates current players to that historic level.

His comments reflect both Mbappe’s early-season form and the growing talk of a potential Ballon d'Or.

Mbappe is one of the frontrunners alongside Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, England star Harry Kane, and World Cup Golden Ball winner Rodri.

The 70th edition of the Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for Monday, 26 October, at the iconic London Palladium.