Kylian Mbappe Opens Up on What Thrills Him About Joining Forces With Jose Mourinho

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé has expressed his excitement about working under José Mourinho, citing the manager's proven track record of winning at the elite level, and hinting that silverware is on the horizon sooner than expected.

Madrid president Florentino Pérez sought a fresh direction following a underwhelming 2024–25 season under Carlo Ancelotti. He pursued a long-term vision with Xabi Alonso at the helm, but the former Madrid midfielder departed the position after only a few months into the new year.

Loyalist Álvaro Arbeloa—now managing in the Premier League with Fulham—stepped in for Alonso through the remainder of the season, and Pérez has since returned to a familiar face. Mourinho hasn't claimed a league title since 2015 and is no longer the "special one" he was in his prime, yet Pérez believes his old friend is the ideal figure to manage the club's star-studded roster and unite them around a common goal.

The club has already secured Vinícius Júnior on a long-term deal, and keeping Mbappé fully committed will be a key priority for the returning boss throughout his time in charge. The Frenchman hasn't always been universally embraced in the Spanish capital despite an impressive scoring record, but his quality shone brightly at the World Cup, where he claimed a second Golden Boot.

Now, Mbappé is eager to get started under Mourinho and finally lift a major trophy with Los Blancos.

Mbappe Opens Up on Early Mourinho Relationship

The French star enjoyed a lengthy rest following the World Cup, returning for the start of preseason training this week. Madrid's La Liga campaign kicks off against Espanyol on Aug. 22, and Mbappé could see action in their final preseason fixture against Schalke on Sunday.

After two seasons of prolific goalscoring, the time has come for Mbappé to translate that form into major honors in the Spanish capital. His dynamic with Mourinho will undoubtedly play a significant role, and the striker spoke warmly to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo about the Portuguese manager.

"It is very positive to have a coach with this experience, who knows how to win and knows the path we must follow in order to achieve victories." Mbappé said.

"As a player, it is wonderful to have a coach who knows where he is going. I believe his presence is a positive thing for us."

Mourinho's first stint at Madrid was undeniably turbulent, but he ultimately ended Barcelona's stranglehold on Spanish football by building a devastating counter-attacking side that became the first team to accumulate 100 points in La Liga (2011–12).

Mbappe's Vow Reinforces Madrid's Intent

A club so accustomed to success and collecting football's most prestigious prizes has gone without major silverware for the past two years. Last season, Madrid failed to win a single trophy for only the second time since 2009–10, just before Mourinho's first stint at the club.

Once again, Mourinho has been handed the task of dismantling a period of Barça dominance, even if Hansi Flick's current side isn't quite as formidable as Pep Guardiola's all-conquering team—one that was eventually worn down by the Portuguese tactician.

He delivered the Copa del Rey in his first year and La Liga the season after. While many have dismissed the 63-year-old ahead of his return, Mbappé has reassured an expectant fanbase that Madrid's golden era is set to make a swift comeback.

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"I believe we have to win, and I am sure that this year we will return to winning titles. I am certain of that," he asserted. "This is what we want, and it will happen because I feel that the team has the desire.

"We will stay focused throughout the year in order to make Real Madrid's fans happy, as there is nothing more important than winning titles with the team and feeling the joy of the fans."

Mbappé himself is yet to win a major trophy since arriving at the club.