Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappé against criticism of his activities during the recent international break, describing the coverage as “ridiculous.”
Mbappé, the France captain, withdrew from international duty after sustaining an injury against Turkey on 25 September. Following his withdrawal, images emerged on social media showing him attending a Paris Fashion Week event and riding a bicycle—activities that had previously been cited as against Mourinho’s rules for players.
Mourinho addressed the controversy in his statement to media, asserting that all Real Madrid players “did exactly what they were supposed to during the break.” He criticized what he characterized as an attempt to manufacture additional problems and issues surrounding the player.
Regarding the bicycle incident specifically, Mourinho clarified that an image of Mbappé riding a bike in Switzerland had been misrepresented. According to Mourinho, bicycles were available for guests at his hotel complex for short journeys, suggesting the activity was part of normal hotel amenities rather than a violation of club rules.
When asked whether coverage of Mbappé had been exaggerated, Mourinho stated: “Exaggerated, no - I think it was ridiculous.”
Mourinho also made clear his disciplinary stance, saying: “What I can promise is when a Real Madrid player doesn’t behave the way a Real Madrid player is supposed to and when he fails at that and he stops being a Real Madrid player for 24 hours, you will not see that player on the bench because he will be at home.”
He concluded by confirming Mbappé’s status, stating: “If Mbappé plays tomorrow, it’s because he hasn’t failed Real Madrid and he hasn’t failed to fulfil his obligations to the club.”
Real Madrid currently sits six points behind leaders Barcelona in La Liga after seven matches. Mbappé, 27, is among the favorites for this year’s Ballon d’Or award. According to the source, he scored 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid last season, though the team won no trophies. At the World Cup, he won the Golden Boot with 10 goals and holds a record career tally of 22 World Cup goals, though France finished fourth in the tournament.
Key facts
- Mbappé withdrew from France’s international duty after picking up an injury against Turkey on 25 September
- Images showed Mbappé at Paris Fashion Week and riding a bicycle during the break
- Mourinho said bicycles were available at his hotel complex for guest use
- Real Madrid is six points behind Barcelona in La Liga after seven games
- Mbappé scored 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid last season