In Madrid, where the new European season has begun with its usual swirl of transfer talk and fresh expectations, Kylian Mbappé has addressed the summer link between France team-mate Michael Olise and Real Madrid. The Bayern Munich forward remained in Bavaria, but Mbappé made clear that his quality would appeal to leading clubs across the continent.
Key takeaways
- Michael Olise, 24, has become one of Bayern Munich’s leading figures over the past two seasons.
- Real Madrid were linked with the French attacker before the 2026-27 European campaign, though no move was completed.
- Mbappé said he did not attempt to persuade Olise to leave Bayern.
- The Real Madrid forward described José Mourinho as an intelligent coach and a strong leader.
- Mbappé doubts he will be able to extend his international career until the age of 41, despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s example.
Respect for Bayern in the Olise conversation
Speaking before France’s UEFA Nations League group-stage opener against Turkey, Mbappé said that Olise possesses the level to interest any elite side. “Every club in the world would be delighted to have Michael Olise,” he said. “He is an exceptional player.”
Yet Mbappé, who has experienced the demands and speculation surrounding major European clubs during his time at Paris Saint-Germain and now Real Madrid, insisted that he had not tried to influence the winger’s future.
He said he understood the constant attention around transfer possibilities, recalling the endless stories that surrounded him in Paris. For that reason, he felt it would be wrong to advise Olise to depart Bayern Munich, calling such an intervention unfair on the German champions.
Mbappé also underlined that Bayern remain an ideal setting for Olise’s development and ambitions, describing the club as a superb place where the forward can achieve important things.
Mourinho’s arrival and Mbappé’s long-term outlook
The France captain also discussed life at Real Madrid under José Mourinho, as he seeks his first trophy since joining the Spanish club. Mbappé called it a privilege to work with the Portuguese coach, whose return has opened a new chapter at the Bernabéu.
“He is ‘The Special One’,” Mbappé said. “José Mourinho is very intelligent, and that explains the success he has had throughout his career.”
Mbappé added that Mourinho is close to his players, takes a genuine interest in them and knows how to lift a squad. In his view, the coach’s leadership is one of the defining features of the new Madrid era.
Asked whether he could follow Cristiano Ronaldo’s path and continue playing beyond 40, Mbappé offered a more cautious answer. He said France would not allow him to continue until 41, but acknowledged that Ronaldo has shown how physical and mental conditioning can sustain a player at the highest level for many years.
For Mbappé himself, however, such longevity does not appear likely. He said he did not believe that scenario would be possible in his own career.
