Overview
- Jose Mourinho, who returned to Real Madrid this month, told Vanity Fair that Kylian Mbappé is a “phenomenal” player and that he will try to make him even better by watching and assessing him in person.
- Mbappé is arriving at the review in strong form, having scored four goals in two matches at the 2026 World Cup and registered 86 goals and 12 assists in 103 games for Real since joining in 2024.
- Mourinho has an explicit mandate to reset the squad and results after two trophyless seasons for Madrid and has identified breaking Barcelona and Hansi Flick’s domestic run as a top priority.
- Public debate has focused on Mbappé’s fit with teammates, notably Vinícius Júnior, and on-field chemistry has been linked by fans and media to Madrid’s lack of trophies since Mbappé’s arrival.
- Key near-term markers to watch are Mourinho’s player assessments in pre-season, expected to start July 13, the club’s summer transfer moves, and whether changes restore dressing-room unity and on-field balance.