Tag: Kylian Mbappe

Mourinho denies Benfica racism claim after Vinicius incident triggers FIFA protocol in Lisbon

Jose Mourinho
February 2026

Jose Mourinho said Benfica “cannot be a racist club” after Vinicius Junior alleged abuse involving a Benfica player, prompting activation of FIFA’s racism protocol and a 10-minute stoppage. Mourinho also suggested Vinicius escalated the situation after scoring. Following Vinicius’ goal and celebration, an exchange with Prestianni led to protests and the protocol being initiated. Mourinho was later sent off for dissent, then defended Benfica post-match and argued incidents follow Vinicius across stadiums.

Mbappe Caught Insulting Fourth Official After Disputed Decisions in Valencia Match

Kylian Mbappé
January 2026

Kylian Mbappé was filmed confronting the fourth official over an offside decision, using insulting language in the tunnel and again seeking an explanation before the second half. With the match 0-0 at the break, Mbappé challenged an offside call that he believed wrongly stopped a run on goal. Broadcast footage captured him demanding an explanation, being told it would be discussed inside, then insulting the official and later complaining again when he felt no explanation was given.

Didier Deschamps Defends Kylian Mbappe’s Work Rate Criticism

Didier Deschamps
January 2026

Deschamps rejected criticism focused on Mbappe’s running metrics, saying he will not cover “11 kilometres per match” but can still be a true captain and decisive match-winner. He framed it as a tactical trade-off: you do not demand high-volume defensive running that drains the explosiveness Mbappe needs in the final third.

Laporta Mocks Late Madrid Penalty as “Dive”

Joan Laporta
January 2026

Barcelona president Laporta mocked the late penalty that let Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano 2-1, calling the incident a dive. The decision kept Madrid close in the title race and inflamed the rivalry’s public sparring again. The spot kick was awarded after Díaz went down in the box in stoppage time and VAR did not overturn it, allowing Mbappé to score the winner. Laporta was overheard laughing with colleagues while repeating his verdict.

Antony Continues Betis European Surge, Matches Kane for Involvements Since Move

Antony
January 2026

Antony scored and assisted in a 2-1 win over Feyenoord as Betis finished fourth in the league phase and reached the last 16, with his European output highlighted against elite peers. He opened scoring with a curled strike and later crossed for Ezzalzouli; Opta stat cited says Antony has 14 European goal involvements for Betis (eight goals, six assists), level with Kane in the same span and three behind Mbappe.

Trubin Scores 98th-Minute Equaliser to Push Benfica Into UCL Playoffs

Anatoliy Trubin
January 2026

Benfica beat Real Madrid 4-2, with goalkeeper Trubin scoring a last-gasp header to secure a Champions League playoff spot as Madrid finished ninth and must play a February playoff. Benfica needed a win to stay in the top 24; Mourinho sent Trubin up for a late set-piece, he headed in, and Madrid ended with two late red cards as Benfica’s late swing decided qualification over rivals elsewhere.

Arbeloa Blames Anti-Perez Chants on Fans “Who Don’t Love Madrid”

Alvaro Arbeloa
January 2026

Arbeloa criticised supporters who chanted “Florentino resign” during his first home league win, arguing the protest came from people who do not truly support the club. After replacing Xabi Alonso and starting with a Copa del Rey upset loss to Albacete, Arbeloa steadied things with a Levante win via second-half goals from Mbappe and Asencio, but the match was dominated by sustained anti-Perez chants from early on.

Real Madrid Beat Levante 2-0 as Arbeloa Gets First League Win

Real Madrid
January 2026

Madrid won 2-0 after a flat first half, with Mbappe scoring a second-half penalty and Asencio adding a headed goal from a corner to secure the points. Arbeloa changed the flow by introducing Arda Guler for more midfield invention, increasing tempo and chance creation. Mbappe won and converted a penalty, then Madrid capitalised on a set piece, managing the game despite a few Levante counters.

Bellingham Rejects Claims He Did Not Back Alonso

Jude Bellingham
January 2026

Bellingham angrily denied reports suggesting he did not support Alonso during his Real Madrid tenure. He posted directly to rebut “sources” and media narratives amid wider claims of dressing-room issues, including reported Alonso disputes with Mbappe and Florentino Perez.

Mbappe Breaks Silence After Alonso Exit, Clash Claims Surface

Kylian Mbappe
January 2026

Mbappe publicly thanked Alonso and wished him well after an eight-month spell ended; reports claim Mbappe argued with Alonso over tactics and Mbappe ignored a post-match guard-of-honour instruction. Pressure built from inconsistent results and the 3-2 Super Cup defeat; Alonso left by “mutual agreement” and Arbeloa took over as caretaker, with fallout rumours pointing to dressing-room and boardroom friction.

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