José Mourinho has publicly defended Kylian Mbappé after the Real Madrid star faced criticism, praising his goals, attitude and defensive effort.

José Mourinho sends strong message to Kylian Mbappé’s critics

José Mourinho has strongly defended Kylian Mbappé after the Real Madrid star faced growing criticism, insisting that a player who scores more than 40 goals can never be the problem for his team.

Mbappé has continued to score for Madrid, but questions have been raised about his defensive work and overall role in Mourinho’s system.

Mourinho, however, has made it clear that the French forward has his full support.

Mourinho responds to Mbappé criticism

Speaking before Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, Mourinho was asked about the criticism surrounding Mbappé.

His answer was direct.

“A player with over 40 goals is never a problem for the team,” Mourinho said.

Mbappé scored more than 40 goals for Real Madrid last season, and Mourinho believes those numbers should not be ignored.

He also compared the situation to a tree full of fruit, suggesting that successful players are often criticised more because expectations around them are so high.

Mourinho praises Mbappé’s defensive effort

One of the biggest questions around Mbappé has been his work without the ball.

Some critics believe Madrid’s attacking stars do not always do enough defensively.

Mourinho strongly disagrees with the idea that Mbappé does not work for the team.

He recalled seeing the Frenchman continue to defend on the left side even when he was exhausted and Madrid were playing with ten men.

Mourinho described Mbappé as:

“Defending like an animal.”

For Mourinho, that moment showed the commitment people do not always notice when talking about the striker.

Mbappé continues to score

The criticism has continued despite Mbappé starting the new season strongly.

He scored the opening goal in Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan.

That took him to five goals in his first five matches of the season.

However, some supporters at the Bernabéu still showed frustration with Madrid’s overall performance.

Mbappé and Vinícius have both been questioned over whether they contribute enough when Madrid lose the ball.

Mourinho refuses to blame Mbappé

Mourinho believes people should look at the complete picture.

That includes Mbappé’s goals, attacking threat, movement and his willingness to help the team defensively.

He accepts that Real Madrid can improve, but he does not believe Mbappé should become the main target when results or performances are not perfect.

Mbappé has also answered his critics

Mbappé has already spoken about the criticism himself.

The French captain accepted that every player can improve defensively.

But he also suggested that people often focus on what he does not do rather than what he brings to the team.

Mourinho’s latest comments now give Mbappé strong public support from his manager.

Huge numbers remain difficult to ignore

Whatever criticism surrounds him, Mbappé’s scoring record remains one of the strongest answers.

He scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Real Madrid last season and has continued scoring at the start of the new campaign.

He is also one of the leading candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

That creates an unusual situation.

A player producing elite numbers and competing for football’s biggest individual prize is still being questioned over his impact on the team.

Mourinho makes his position clear

Mourinho accepts that Madrid can defend better.

He accepts that every player can improve.

But he is not willing to make Mbappé the problem.

More than 40 goals last season.

Five goals in five matches this season.

And, according to Mourinho, a player willing to defend even when exhausted.

That is the Mbappé Mourinho sees.

A strong message to Mbappé’s critics

Mbappé will continue to face huge expectations at Real Madrid.

Every performance will be analysed and every mistake will create debate.

But Mourinho has now made one thing very clear. He does not see Kylian Mbappé as Real Madrid’s problem.

For Mourinho, a player who scores more than 40 goals and continues working for the team deserves support rather than blame.

And while the criticism continues, Mourinho has firmly chosen his side.