Mourinho calls criticism of Mbappe 'ridiculous'

What the report says

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has defended Kylian Mbappe after the France captain faced criticism during the international break, calling the backlash "ridiculous," according to BBC Sport Football. Mbappe withdrew from international duty after sustaining an injury against Turkey on 25 September, but later drew attention when he posted images from a Paris Fashion Week appearance and a bicycle ride.

BBC Sport reported that Mourinho pushed back against suggestions the player had acted improperly, saying the team had followed the expected process during the break and that people were looking for unnecessary problems. He also said a photo of Mbappe cycling in Switzerland had been taken out of context, explaining that bikes were available to hotel guests for short trips.

Mourinho suggested that if Mbappe is selected, it is because he has met his responsibilities to the club. The comments come as Real Madrid try to close a six-point gap to Barcelona in La Liga after seven matches.

Mbappe, 27, remains one of football’s leading stars and a Ballon d’Or contender, after scoring 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid last season. More broadly, the episode highlights the scrutiny elite players face over their conduct away from the pitch, especially when injury and social media activity overlap.