Real Madrid News
Mbappe talks Vinicius partnership, Mourinho, Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid vs Inter
Kylian Mbappe has dismissed suggestions of tension with Vinicius Jr. while insisting Real Madrid’s priority must remain the same: winning trophies.
The French forward spoke ahead of Madrid’s Champions League opener against Inter Milan, with plenty of attention surrounding his partnership with Vinicius, his Ballon d’Or hopes and the expectations that have followed Jose Mourinho’s return.
Mbappe made it clear that he has little interest in outside speculation about his relationship with his fellow forward. Instead, he believes both players are focused on delivering silverware for Real Madrid.
“It’s just one of the millions of opinions out there about Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world. I can’t control everything that’s said.
“We have the same goal, which is to win trophies. And we can’t control what people think. We listen, we try to improve and move forward.”
Mbappe refuses to isolate Vinicius
The discussion around Madrid’s attack has intensified as Mourinho looks to find the right balance between his biggest attacking stars.
Mbappe, however, rejected the idea that individual players should become the focus when the team still has plenty of room for improvement.
“I’m not one for singling out players from the squad. People like that, and so does the press – and it’s only natural, because that’s what sells.
“I don’t know about you, but I think about the team, about how we can improve. And win trophies.”
Mbappe also accepted that his defensive contribution can improve, refusing to point the finger at Vinicius alone.
“Of course we need to improve. But that’s only natural… We all need to improve in this area. And with the ball, too.”
Ballon d’Or talk takes centre stage
Mbappe was also asked whether he considers himself the world’s best player and whether he deserves the Ballon d’Or.
His confidence was unmistakable, although he stressed that the final decision belongs to the voters.
“I always do, but it’s a very personal thing. Everyone has their own opinion. Some will think so, others won’t. It’s a debate… not everyone has to think the same way I do.
“This year might be a good one to win the Ballon d’Or, but it’s the journalists who vote, and it’s up to them to decide.”
The forward also played down the idea that he owes Madrid after two trophy-less seasons, saying his focus is firmly on the matches ahead.
“I’m only thinking about the upcoming matches. My experience tells me that this is a long process, that every day… well, you have to think about how to help the team. And that’s it for now.”
Mourinho and Mbappe want the same thing
Mbappe welcomed Mourinho’s winning mentality and agreed with his manager’s insistence that goals must ultimately lead to trophies.
The Frenchman even joked that he would happily accept fewer goals if they came alongside success.
“And I’d settle for fewer, too. Even 30. I’m not going to say it’s a debate for people who don’t play football, but it is an absurd one.
“If I score 40 and we’re in the running for the league, the Champions League, the Cup… should I stop scoring because if I score too many… won’t we win?
“Of course I want to win titles, but it’s not a question of choosing. You have to do both. Score goals and win trophies.”
Mbappe also dismissed concerns over the atmosphere inside the Madrid dressing room, insisting the group remains calm despite the scrutiny surrounding the club.
“I think there’s always been a good atmosphere and that we need to improve certain things, of course, such as scoring more goals. But we’re fine, we’re relaxed.”
The final question concerned leadership and whether Mbappe feels he must take on more responsibility at Real Madrid.
“I’m in two different contexts: the national team and Real Madrid. Of course, in each context I have to step up, but with the national team I’m the captain, and here I’m not. But I want to improve as a player.”
He drew a distinction between his role with France, where he is captain, and his position in Madrid, but made clear that he wants to keep developing his influence.
“And not just for France or for Real Madrid, but because I want to have a feel for the moment in the game.
“I’ve had many different managers, and that’s helped me a lot to see how we can adapt to every situation,” he concluded.
Source: AS
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s MVP defends Vinicius and explains his role in comeback win vs Roma: ‘What they are doing to him is unbelievable’
Endrick has delivered a passionate defence of Vinicius Jr. after a four-match suspension for the Brazilian winger sparked controversy, insisting that his teammate is being unfairly targeted.
Speaking to Movistar Plus+ after Real Madrid’s dramatic 4-3 Champions League victory over AS Roma, Endrick criticised the punishment handed to Vinicius following his sending-off against Villarreal.
The young forward also reflected on his decisive contribution to the comeback, which saw Madrid recover from 1-3 down to secure victory in the closing stages.
Endrick entered the match in the 59th minute and helped change its direction, setting up Carlos Espí’s goal with a header before scoring the equaliser.
Antonio Rudiger subsequently completed the turnaround, capping a remarkable night for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Endrick claims Vinicius is being targeted
The suspension handed to Vinicius was a major talking point after the match, with Endrick openly questioning the decision and backing his international teammate to respond positively.
“We knew it had to be two matches for a straight red card, but deep down we knew it wouldn’t be two, because what they’re doing to ‘Vini’ is unbelievable, it’s mad, and there’s no way it’s going to change.
“They’ve turned two matches into four; they’re out to get ‘Vini’, but he’s a strong lad, he’s always working hard, fighting against everything.
“He’ll be strong; when he comes back, he’ll come back in great form,” he said.
Endrick explains how he helped Real Madrid beat Roma
While his comments about Vinicius attracted attention, Endrick also played a crucial role in Madrid’s comeback.
Introduced shortly after Roma extended their lead to 3-1, the Brazilian immediately brought energy to the attack and helped the hosts regain momentum.
Reflecting on the emotions surrounding his introduction, Endrick explained how quickly his evening changed.
“I’m still caught up in the excitement of the match. It was a bit tricky – I was on the bench talking to God, and when I looked to one side, Nuno called me over.
“I didn’t think I’d be coming on so early. I came on and was able to do what I love most – play football. I feel I can help everyone, and most importantly, help Madrid win.
“When I’m no longer able to do that, I’ll be the first to leave, because being at Madrid is tough; you have to fight every day,” he explained.
Endrick POTM 🏆 #UCL https://t.co/WoPPM8TRZd
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 14, 2026
He also recalled the difficult moment when Roma scored again just as he was preparing to enter the contest.
“It was tough, because I was talking to Mou, with my head down, and when we looked up, Mallen was scoring another goal, which made the match even more difficult. But we’re Real Madrid.
“We’re going to fight in every match, and that’s what we’ve done – coming back from 3-1 to 4-3 and continuing to fight – because we’ve still got the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, La Liga and the Super Cup; we want to win them all.”
Endrick sends message about his Real Madrid future
The Brazilian also addressed his limited playing time under Mourinho, acknowledging that individual ambitions must take second place to the team’s needs.
“We don’t know; managers aren’t going to do what’s best for a player, they’re going to do what’s best for the team.
“If I have to play, Mou will put me on. It won’t necessarily be the best thing for me.
“I’ll be fighting to help the team; that’s what I’ll do throughout my entire career,” he concluded.
