In Madrid, where the season has already brought a 3-2 league win at Elche in the sixth round of the 2026-27 Spanish campaign, Kylian Mbappé has set out the priorities shaping his time at Real Madrid: collective purpose, daily learning and the club’s enduring pull. In a wide-ranging interview, the France forward discussed his connections with Vinícius Júnior, the influence of José Mourinho and his ambition to return the Ballon d’Or to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Different links across the attacking line
Asked whether he has the stronger understanding with Vinícius or Jude Bellingham, Mbappé rejected the idea that there is one simple answer. He said each partnership offers something different, also mentioning Arda Güler.
- With Bellingham, Mbappé feels the connection is stronger in certain parts of the game.
- With Vinícius and Güler, he finds advantages in other situations.
- For Mbappé, the key is not that every member of the squad must be close friends, but that everyone works towards Real Madrid’s goals.
He warned that minor gestures and online discussion can distract from the matters that count inside the club. “Real Madrid matters more than any individual,” he said.
Mourinho’s mark in the Madrid dressing room
Mbappé has worked under Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, Álvaro Arbeloa and Mourinho at Real Madrid, and described all four as significant figures in football. Their contrasting ideas, he said, have each given him something to learn.
His comments on Mourinho carried particular warmth. The Portuguese coach, who previously managed Benfica, had already been a major name in Mbappé’s eyes before their work together. The reality of seeing him every day has deepened that respect.
- Mbappé called Mourinho among the most intelligent people he has met.
- He described him as a leader.
- He said Mourinho’s daily presence reveals an exceptional person and a legendary coach.
The striker also clarified that Mourinho has not set him a target of 50 goals for the season. The manager’s instruction, Mbappé said, has simply been to score. Mbappé does not want to fix a numerical total in advance.
A Ballon d’Or ambition and Madrid’s past
Mbappé believes he has had a strong year, while accepting that the Ballon d’Or is not decided by his own assessment alone. He said his task is to persuade the voters through what he does on the pitch.
Rather than nominate a favourite for the award, he spoke of wanting the trophy back at Real Madrid. “I want to be among the players who bring it back,” he said.
When invited to choose a former Madrid player he would bring back to the club, Mbappé named three of its great attacking and creative figures:
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Zinedine Zidane
- Ronaldo Nazário
He noted that Cristiano Ronaldo is still playing, while Zidane remains occasionally involved in football. Of Ronaldo Nazário, Mbappé stressed that the Brazilian’s special qualities remain evident even after retirement. He regards all three as Real Madrid legends whose achievements continue to stir supporters.
The Bernabéu choice and Spain’s rising talent
Mbappé said there was no need for anyone to persuade him to join Real Madrid. Florentino Pérez had pursued him for roughly a decade, but the forward said the club’s history made the decision clear. In his view, any player wishing to take a place in football history must, at some point, play for Real Madrid.
He also praised Spain’s national side, saying they were the best team and deserved to win the World Cup. Mbappé declined to identify one player as the finest in the world, arguing that such judgments depend on personal opinion.
On individual young players, he highlighted Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal’s ability. He also praised Diomande, the young Real Madrid player, while stressing that the club must protect him as he develops.
