Kylian Mbappé Defends Playing Style and Work-Rate Following Real Betis Defeat

Kylian Mbappé addressed his defensive contributions and Ballon d'Or chances following Real Madrid's 1-0 loss to Real Betis, where he missed a late penalty.

Kylian Mbappé defended his work-rate off the ball on Monday following Real Madrid’s first LaLiga defeat of the season, a 1-0 loss at Real Betis on Friday. The French forward missed a late penalty in the match, which head coach José Mourinho claimed should have been retaken by the VAR. Madrid now prepare to host Inter Milan in their opening Champions League league phase fixture having gone two seasons without a major trophy since Mbappé joined the club.

Addressing comparisons to Ousmane Dembélé and Raphinha, Mbappé acknowledged the need for collective defensive improvement to concede fewer chances but noted he provides different qualities than his rivals. The forward enters the Champions League campaign as a candidate for the 2026 men’s Ballon d'Or after scoring 10 goals during France’s run to the World Cup semifinals. This performance made him the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 22 total goals across three tournaments.

Regarding the club's internal environment, Mbappé dismissed reports of poor dressing room atmosphere under Mourinho, who replaced the previous staff of Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa. Mourinho focused his post-match comments on the officiating against Betis, questioning why the VAR did not order a retake of Mbappé’s missed spot-kick. The coach stated that if the official did not know the rules regarding the penalty, he should not be serving as a referee.