Mbappe Reveals Why He Never Tried to Lure Olise to Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe has said he would never have tried to talk France teammate Michael Olise into joining him at Real Madrid this summer, calling it something that would have felt disrespectful.

Madrid were strongly linked with a move for Olise as part of their summer rebuild, after club president Florentino Perez promised to spend big on an attacking signing. In the end, Madrid opted for winger Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in a club record deal instead.

Mbappe and Olise played alongside each other for France at the World Cup, but speaking to German newspaper Bild, Mbappe said he never felt it was his place to encourage Olise to leave Bayern Munich.

"I was aware of the speculation," Mbappe said. "But I know the situation well myself. Back when I was a PSG player, there were countless rumors. And I feel it would be disrespectful to advise a player to make a move. That would be unfair to Bayern, especially since Bayern is a great club, where Michael can achieve a lot."

He was quick to praise Olise's quality regardless. "One thing is clear, though: every club in the world would love to have Michael Olise. He is an outstanding player," he said.

Olise was named the Bundesliga's Player of the Season for 2025-26 after a standout campaign that helped Bayern win the title again.

Mbappe himself has faced criticism for not winning a major trophy since his move to Madrid in 2024, with the club bringing in Jose Mourinho as head coach this summer in hopes of turning things around. Mbappe spoke positively about working under the Portuguese coach.

"Jose Mourinho is extremely intelligent," he said. "That's why he's been able to achieve such great success in his career. He's very close to us players, and takes a real interest in us. He's a leader, he knows exactly how to get the best out of us."

Mbappe, 27, is currently away with France for the international break. He also told Bild that unlike his childhood idol Cristiano Ronaldo, he doesn't expect to still be playing into his 40s.

"We have to be completely honest, considering the country I play for: France would never let me play until I'm 41," he said. "Cristiano proves that if you're physically and mentally fit, you can play at a high level for a long time. In my case, though, I don't see it happening."