‘I prefer 40 goals with titles’: Mourinho challenges Mbappe despite flying start for Real Madrid

The 2026/27 La Liga season is barely underway, yet Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe is already leading the goalscoring charts ahead of Malaga's visit to the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. The French forward scored a hat-trick in Real Madrid's recent match against Real Sociedad, winning the club's top scorer trophy for the second time. Mbappe, described by coach Jose Mourinho as "incredible," aims for more goals but Mourinho insists, "I prefer 40 with a lot of work for the team than 60 just playing for himself."

Mourinho expressed his happiness with Mbappe's work-rate, noting that he joined two days early in pre-season, which could be beneficial. Beyond goals, Mourinho sees Mbappe's championship-winning potential as crucial for a team that has yet to win a major trophy in the past two seasons. The player's form with France during the World Cup, where he won the Golden Boot with 10 goals, further highlights his hunger to make history.

Since moving to Real Madrid in 2024, Mbappe has helped the club reach the Champions League final twice, while Barcelona has clinched both La Liga titles. Mbappe, determined at the start of the season, believes the team must win this year, and Mourinho, who has the experience to unite the stars, is confident that teamwork can help Real Madrid achieve its goals.