Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has come out swinging in defence of Kylian Mbappe, dismissing the storm of criticism that followed the striker's activities during the international break as "ridiculous."

Mbappe pulled out of France duty after sustaining an injury in their match against Turkey on 25 September. Images later emerged on social media showing the forward at a Paris Fashion Week event and riding a bicycle — the latter a mode of transport Mourinho had previously indicated was off-limits for his players.

Mourinho's firm response

The Real Madrid boss was characteristically direct when addressing the controversy. "When it comes to Real Madrid, it's always different," he said, adding that all his players had fulfilled their obligations during the break.

"What I can promise is when a Real Madrid player doesn't behave the way a Real Madrid player is supposed to and when he fails at that and he stops being a Real Madrid player for 24 hours, you will not see that player on the bench because he will be at home."

Mourinho also pushed back on how an image of Mbappe cycling in Switzerland had been portrayed, explaining that bicycles were simply available to guests at his hotel complex for short journeys — hardly the act of recklessness some had implied.

Asked directly whether media coverage of his star forward had been exaggerated, Mourinho did not hold back. "Exaggerated, no — I think it was ridiculous," he said. He confirmed that Mbappe would feature in their next match, stating the player had not let Real Madrid down nor neglected his responsibilities to the club.

Madrid's title ambitions under pressure

The timing of the controversy is awkward for Real Madrid, who sit six points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona after seven matches. Mourinho's side cannot afford any further distractions if they are to mount a genuine title challenge.

Mbappe, 27, remains one of the frontrunners for this year's Ballon d'Or. He delivered an outstanding individual campaign last season, netting 42 goals in 44 appearances for the club, though his efforts yielded no silverware.

On the international stage, Mbappe claimed the World Cup Golden Boot with 10 goals, pushing his total tally at World Cups to a record 22 — even as France finished fourth in the tournament.