Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has dismissed criticism of Kylian Mbappe over his activities during the international break, describing the controversy surrounding the France captain as “ridiculous”.

Mbappe withdrew from France duty after sustaining an injury against Turkey on September 25 but later attracted public attention after sharing images of himself attending a Paris Fashion Week event and riding a bicycle.

The forward’s activities sparked criticism, with questions raised over whether he should have engaged in such outings while recovering from an injury that prevented him from representing his country.

However, Mourinho defended the 27-year-old, insisting that Real Madrid’s players had fulfilled their obligations to the club during the break.

According to BBC Sport, the Portuguese manager maintained that the criticism surrounding the players was unnecessary, stressing that the club expected its footballers to meet professional standards.

“When it comes to Real Madrid, it’s always different,” Mourinho said.

“But all the players did exactly what they were supposed to during the break. And then you always want to look for more problems and issues.”

Mourinho, however, warned that players who failed to meet the club’s expectations would face disciplinary consequences.

He explained that any Real Madrid player who failed to behave in accordance with the club’s standards would not be considered for selection until the situation was addressed.

“What I can promise is when a Real Madrid player doesn’t behave the way a Real Madrid player is supposed to and when he fails at that and he stops being a Real Madrid player for 24 hours, you will not see that player on the bench because he will be at home,” he added.

The manager also dismissed suggestions that Mbappe had acted irresponsibly after photographs emerged showing him riding a bicycle in Switzerland.

Mourinho explained that bicycles were available for guests at his hotel complex to use for short journeys, offering context to the images that had generated criticism.

Asked whether the media coverage surrounding Mbappe had been exaggerated, the Portuguese manager responded: “Exaggerated, no — I think it was ridiculous.”

He further suggested that Mbappe’s involvement in Real Madrid’s next match would demonstrate that the forward had fulfilled his responsibilities to the club.

“If Mbappe plays tomorrow, it’s because he hasn’t failed Real Madrid and he hasn’t failed to fulfil his obligations to the club,” Mourinho said.

The controversy comes as Real Madrid seek to maintain consistency in their La Liga campaign, with the Spanish giants trailing league leaders Barcelona by six points after seven matches.

The club will be keen to close the gap as the season progresses, making the availability and performance of key players increasingly important.

Mbappe remains one of the leading contenders for this year’s Ballon d’Or following an impressive debut season with Real Madrid, during which he scored 42 goals in 44 appearances.

Despite his individual achievements, Real Madrid ended the previous campaign without a trophy, increasing expectations for the club to deliver silverware this season.

The France captain also claimed the Golden Boot at the World Cup with 10 goals, taking his career tally at the tournament to a record 22, although France finished fourth.

His performances have continued to place him among the leading figures in world football, while the latest controversy has renewed discussions about the scrutiny faced by elite players over their conduct away from competitive matches.

Mourinho’s defence indicates that, in his view, the key consideration is whether a player has fulfilled his professional obligations rather than the public perception generated by activities during a break from international duty.

Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to longtime rival Lionel Messi following the Argentine forward’s emotional farewell from international football.

Messi played his final match for Argentina on Tuesday night, scoring once and providing two assists as the South American champions defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The 39-year-old, widely regarded as one of football’s most decorated players, described the occasion as “the saddest day of my career” after more than two decades representing Argentina.

Following the match, Messi shared a post on Instagram reflecting on his international career. Ronaldo responded to the post with a message highlighting his respect for the Argentine’s achievements.

“Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will live on forever. You have all my respect for everything you’ve achieved with Argentina. A hug,” Ronaldo wrote.

The message was widely reported on Wednesday, with Spanish newspaper Marca among the outlets highlighting the exchange between the two football icons.

Although Ronaldo and Messi were fierce competitors for much of their careers, particularly during their years in La Liga, the pair have repeatedly expressed admiration and respect for one another.

Their rivalry became one of the defining narratives of modern football, with the Portuguese and Argentine stars competing for major individual honours while representing Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Messi brought his international career to a close after a remarkable spell with Argentina. He made a record 208 appearances for the national team and scored 126 goals.

He also captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, ending a long wait for the country to win football’s biggest prize. His international honours also include Copa América triumphs.

Ronaldo has similarly maintained a prominent role on the international stage with Portugal, while continuing his club career with Al-Nassr.

The latest exchange between the two players comes as both approach the latter stages of their illustrious careers, with Messi playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer and Ronaldo continuing in Saudi Arabia.

Their careers have been marked by extraordinary individual records, major trophies and more than a decade of competition at the highest level.

Ronaldo’s tribute therefore offered another public reminder of the mutual respect that has developed between two players whose rivalry helped define an era of world football.

Former Manchester City midfielder David Silva has returned to professional football at the age of 40, joining Hong Kong Premier League club Sha Tin two years after announcing his retirement.

Silva, who retired in 2023 following an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered during pre-season training with Spanish side Real Sociedad, is set to begin another chapter of his distinguished football career in Hong Kong.

The former Spain international spent a decade at Manchester City, where he established himself as one of the club’s most influential players and helped the team win four Premier League titles and 11 major trophies.

Silva was also a key member of Spain’s golden generation, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two European Championship titles with the national team.

Announcing his return, Silva expressed excitement about moving to Hong Kong and experiencing the country’s culture while returning to competitive football.

“I’m so excited to go to Hong Kong and enjoy the local culture, the food in Sha Tin and, of course, football in Hong Kong,” Silva said in a video posted on his Instagram on Wednesday.

Sha Tin confirmed that the former Manchester City star would not immediately make his competitive debut, as he is expected to first settle into the squad and work on his fitness.

“David Silva will be in Hong Kong soon to settle in, link up with squad training, and build up to peak match fitness before making his pitch debut,” the club said.

Sha Tin currently occupy eighth position in the Hong Kong Premier League after four matches. The club are scheduled to face Hong Kong Football Club on October 18, although Silva’s availability for the fixture will depend on his fitness and integration into the squad.

Silva’s return marks an unexpected continuation of a career that had appeared to have ended two years ago.

After beginning his professional career in Spain, Silva went on to become one of the most decorated midfielders of his generation.

His decade at Manchester City coincided with the club’s rise into one of England’s leading football sides.

His technical ability, vision, passing and control made him a central figure in City’s midfield during a period that produced multiple domestic trophies.

Silva also earned widespread recognition for his contribution to the Spanish national team, featuring in a side that won the 2010 World Cup and European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

His achievements at Manchester City have also been permanently recognised, with the club honouring him with a statue outside the Etihad Stadium.

At 40, Silva now faces a different challenge as he prepares to regain match fitness and adapt to a new football environment in Hong Kong.

For Sha Tin, the arrival of a player with Silva’s experience and pedigree adds significant international attention to the club and the Hong Kong Premier League.