English Premier League
Kylian Mbappe vows Real Madrid will return to winning ways under Jose Mourinho
Kylian Mbappe says Real Madrid must “take a step forward” under Jose Mourinho and has promised supporters the club will challenge for major honours again after a trophyless 2025-26 season.
The France forward believes Real Madrid have the desire and focus needed to make a successful start to the new campaign, with Mourinho’s experience of winning providing an important advantage to the squad.
Mbappe was speaking to Real Madrid’s official television channel about his preparations, his ambitions for the season and his relationship with Mourinho. He also reflected on his first two years at the Spanish club and told fans that winning trophies was now the priority.
“I am very happy to be back and to get the first impressions of the team, the new coaching staff, my team-mates and everyone working at Valdebebas,” Mbappe said, in comments reported by Mundo Deportivo. “It is always good to come back here and prepare for the season.”
The Frenchman said his communication with Mourinho had started before the manager’s arrival at Real Madrid, adding that the pair had spoken regularly during the World Cup and again in recent days.
“We spoke a lot during the World Cup, as well as over the past few days here,” he said. “It is very positive to have a coach with this experience, who knows how to win and knows the path we need to take to achieve victories.”
“As a player, it is great to have a coach who knows where he is going. I think his presence is a positive thing for us.”
Mbappe is aiming to lead Real Madrid back to silverware after the club ended the 2025-26 campaign without a trophy. The forward also failed to guide France to a World Cup triumph this summer.
Mbappe sets clear target
The 27-year-old said pre-season offered the best opportunity for the squad to work at maximum intensity before competitive matches begin.
“I am trying to give everything I have because this is the period when we can work as hard as possible,” Mbappe said.
“When the matches start, it becomes more about managing workloads. Now is the right time to work at full strength and get the feeling we need so that we are ready for the first league match.”
He was unequivocal when asked about Real Madrid’s objectives.
“I think we have to win, and I am sure that this year we will return to winning trophies. I am sure of that,” he said.
“That is what we want, and it will happen because I feel the team has the desire. We will remain focused throughout the year to make the Real Madrid fans happy. There is nothing more important than winning trophies with this team and feeling the joy of the supporters.”
Mbappe also looked back on the first goal he scored for Real Madrid, two years after the moment, describing it as an exceptional occasion. His first appearance for a new club would have been special in any circumstances, he said, but playing for Real Madrid made it even more significant because it came in a final.
“It was a very special day,” Mbappe said. “Your first match with a new team is always special, and when that team is Real Madrid, it becomes even more important and magical, especially because it was a final.”
“I enjoyed that day: a goal, a trophy, a smile, and everything was wonderful. These have been two years full of changes for me because it was the first time I had left my country, and the experience has been very positive.”
Mbappe said he had grown to love both the club and life in Spain.
“I love the club very much, and I love playing in La Liga and living in Spain, and here in Madrid,” he said. “It is very important for a player to feel comfortable in the city where he lives.”
He added: “I think it is time to take a step forward and win trophies.”
Wearing the Real Madrid shirt remains a dream come true for Mbappe, although he said the club’s status also brings an unavoidable expectation of success.
“It was a dream to come here, and it is still a dream to be here every day and have this opportunity,” he said.
“I am someone who knows how to enjoy the present. I enjoy being here and I know how lucky I am to be at Real Madrid, but now we have to win.”
“You can be anywhere, but when you are at Real Madrid, you have to win trophies and lift titles. That is why I am here and, as I said, we will win trophies this year.”
Mbappe finished by addressing the club’s supporters directly.
“Hello, Madridistas. This is a message to thank you for all the support you have given us during the two years I have spent here,” he said.
“I know this year will be even more important, and that we will achieve great things together. We have to be ready, and we are already ready.”
