Mourinho defends Mbappé over Paris Fashion Week and bicycle pictures
October 9, 2026 12:20
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappé after criticism over the forward's activities during the international break, describing the reaction as "ridiculous". Mbappé withdrew from France duty after sustaining an injury against Turkey on 25 September and has since been pictured at Paris Fashion Week and riding a bicycle.
Mourinho said that "all the players did exactly what they were supposed to during the break" and defended the club's position on player conduct, warning: "What I can promise is when a Real Madrid player doesn't behave the way a Real Madrid player is supposed to... you will not see that player on the bench because he will be at home." He also said an image of Mbappé riding a bike in Switzerland had been misrepresented, adding bicycles were available for hotel guests to use for short journeys.
CONTEXT
Mbappé, 27, is back in training with Real Madrid this week. Mourinho commented: "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 sit six points behind Barcelona in La Liga after seven games.
PLAYER BACKGROUND
Last season Mbappé scored 42 goals in 44 club appearances but Real did not win any trophies. He won the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals at the most recent tournament, taking his career World Cup tally to a record 22 goals, and France finished fourth. He is also listed among the favourites to win this year's Ballon d'Or.