Mourinho Calls Mbappe Criticism “Ridiculous” Amid Real Madrid Backlash

Kylian Mbappe has faced criticism and online trolling over his activities away from the pitch while recovering from a knee injury. From reports of his visit to Paris to photographs of him cycling in Switzerland, the France forward has come under scrutiny from some Real Madrid supporters. Head coach Jose Mourinho, however, has dismissed the criticism as “ridiculous.”

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Villarreal, Mourinho defended the 27-year-old forward.

“Is this criticism excessive? Of course. It is ridiculous,” the 63-year-old coach said.

Mbappe reportedly injured his left knee during France’s UEFA Nations League match against Turkey. He subsequently travelled to France and Switzerland for medical consultations and rehabilitation. During that period, photographs of him outside an event in Paris and cycling in Switzerland circulated on social media, prompting criticism from some fans.

Some supporters have also linked the cycling photographs to Mourinho’s earlier comments about injury prevention. The Real Madrid coach had reportedly advised players to avoid activities such as skiing and cycling because of the risk of injury. This led to speculation among fans that Mbappe had ignored the coach’s guidance.

Mourinho rejected the criticism surrounding the Paris event, arguing that the coverage had misrepresented what happened.

“Football-related problems are not enough for you, so you have brought up the nightclub issue. But it was not actually a nightclub event. It was a private Fashion Week gathering,” he said.

The coach also explained Mbappe’s medical arrangements. According to Mourinho, the players who had been instructed to attend rehabilitation sessions were present, while Mbappe underwent examinations to establish the nature of his injury.

The forward then consulted a specialist in France, taking into account his previous knee problems. Mourinho stressed that the history of the injury was something the club could not afford to overlook.

He also addressed the photographs showing Mbappe cycling in Switzerland. Mourinho said the images were taken at a hotel where guests could use bicycles to move around the property.

The situation, he suggested, had been portrayed as though Mbappe were taking part in a competitive cycling event.

Questions have also emerged over whether Mbappe could face a hostile reception from Real Madrid supporters during the match against Villarreal. Mourinho, however, said he was not particularly concerned and expressed confidence that the forward had fulfilled his responsibilities to the club.

This is not the first time Mbappe has faced criticism from sections of the Real Madrid fanbase. Last month, the hard-line supporters’ group Ultras Sur reportedly voiced objections to the French international. The group, which has been associated with far-right politics, has been banned from the Santiago Bernabeu, according to the report.

With scrutiny continuing over his activities during recovery, Mbappe remains at the centre of debate among some Real Madrid supporters. Mourinho, meanwhile, has made his position clear: he considers the latest criticism of the French forward excessive and “ridiculous.”