"He thinks he can do whatever he wants": Kylian Mbappe faces trouble with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid

Is the next row brewing at Real Madrid? An Instagram video shows Kylian Mbappe on a bike - just days after coach Jose Mourinho made his position on exactly such an activity clear.

Only ten days ago, the Portuguese issued a clear warning on the "Bet It Drives" podcast about his players taking part in risky leisure activities. Mourinho left no room for doubt: "Unfortunately, a footballer cannot ride a bike. Even if he does it behind the club's back. I don't care about his contract, I pay attention to how seriously the player takes his work. If you fall, you can miss three games or - worse still - break a leg. Or perhaps you only have a bruise, but that bruise stops you from being in top form."

Mbappe then went and ignored that warning with the video he posted on Sunday afternoon. That only adds to the tension. Mourinho is known for his strict discipline and has never shied away from taking on big names during his career. In his first spell at the Bernabeu, he clashed with established figures and even demoted club icon Iker Casillas.

How many goals has Kylian Mbappe scored so far for Real Madrid in the 2026/27 season?

Spain's media also reacted with disbelief to the forward's decision. Journalist Antonio Romero gave a pointed assessment on Cadena SER: "Mbappe enjoys being Real Madrid's star striker, but also believes he can do whatever he wants. Someone should tell him: this is not Mbappe FC, this is Real Madrid."

On the pitch, though, it remains unclear how things will develop for Mbappe. The forward has started the new 2026/27 season strongly, scoring eight goals in his first eight competitive appearances, but sustained "only" an overstretching of the posterior capsule of the left knee joint in France's 1-0 win in the Nations League match in Turkey and should not face too long on the sidelines. Real have not, however, communicated how long Mbappe will be out.