Spanish media outlet ‘El Chiringuito’ reported that the exchanges took place at the club’s Valdebebas training complex during Tuesday breakfast. Mourinho took Mbappé aside to express his firm displeasure over the player’s recent conduct. Whilst the manager continues to defend his star forward in public press conferences, he made it clear internally that such off-pitch distractions and unprofessionalism will not be tolerated within the squad.

The controversy stems from events following an injury Mbappé sustained during a UEFA Nations League fixture against Turkey on 25 September, where he suffered a left knee strain. Rather than focusing solely on his rehabilitation program in Madrid, photographs surfaced showing the French captain socialising with his girlfriend, Ester Expósito, at a nightclub in Paris. Shortly afterwards, videos appeared on social media showing Mbappé cycling in the Swiss Alps—an activity considered high-risk for an athlete recovering from a knee injury.

These public appearances sparked criticism among fans and club officials in Madrid, raising questions regarding his commitment during recovery.

Having returned to light individual training on Monday, Mbappé was expected to rejoin squad sessions and feature in the upcoming La Liga clash against Villarreal on Saturday. His absence from full team training on Tuesday has cast doubt on his availability for the match, with sports media suggesting he may be relegated to the substitute bench or left out of the matchday squad altogether.

The confrontation marks a shift in tone from Mourinho, who had staunchly defended the Frenchman against media scrutiny only weeks earlier. During a previous press conference, the manager famously argued that a player capable of scoring 40 goals in a season should never be viewed as a burden to the team. However, Mbappé’s latest off-pitch escapades appear to have tested the veteran manager’s patience, prompting a stern internal warning.