Kylian Mbappe ‘devastated’ by trophy drought as Jose Mourinho arrival offers fresh Real Madrid hope

Kylian Mbappe has been left “devastated” by another season without major silverware, according to former France international Jeremie Aliadiere, who believes the Real Madrid forward is desperate to replicate Cristiano Ronaldo’s legendary Champions League success.

After another campaign ended without either club or international glory, Mbappe is expected to enter the new season determined to finally conquer Europe, with Jose Mourinho’s reported arrival offering renewed hope at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mbappe’s wait for major honours continues

Mbappe looked poised to strengthen his claim for football’s biggest individual prizes after another prolific campaign for Real Madrid and France.

However, Spain ended France’s World Cup dream in the semi-finals, while Real Madrid failed to secure any major trophies during the 2025-26 season.

The disappointment leaves the French superstar still searching for both a UEFA Champions League title and his first Ballon d’Or, despite already establishing himself as the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Aliadiere: Mbappe wants to become a Real Madrid legend

Speaking exclusively to GOAL in association with Betinia, former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere believes Mbappe is driven by far more than goals or financial rewards.

“I think he’ll be devastated because you make a move in your career, you’re scoring goals, you’re doing all this stuff and everything is done, the money’s earned, but you want to make it count,” Aliadiere said.

“You want to move to Madrid and become God there and win a trophy, win a Champions League like Cristiano Ronaldo did.”

Aliadiere believes the disappointment will only fuel Mbappe’s desire ahead of next season.

“So he will be gutted and he will be fuming and be like, ‘I can’t wait to start with Madrid and hopefully this year we’ll have a great season, win La Liga and end on the Champions League front because that’s obviously a competition that Real Madrid are always strong in.’

“I’m sure he’ll be fired up to start that season on fire and take Madrid to success.”

Mourinho’s arrival could transform Real Madrid

Mbappe could begin the new campaign under Jose Mourinho, with the Portuguese manager reportedly set for a sensational return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The experienced coach would inherit one of Europe’s most talented squads, featuring Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, but Aliadiere believes managing those personalities will not be straightforward.

Mbappe and Mourinho partnership could go either way

Aliadiere admits Mourinho’s strong personality could either bring the best out of Mbappe or create major tension if results fail to arrive quickly.

“I don’t know Kylian personally, I only see what everybody sees,” he explained.

“But the way I analyse him is, he knows how good he is.

“He’s achieved a lot in the game and he’s got a bit of arrogance about him. He’s got a bit of ego, and so has Jose Mourinho.”

The former Premier League striker believes early success will be crucial.

“So, it can go both ways. If things start well, the team are winning, everything goes well, it could be an amazing season.

“If it doesn’t and he starts on a bad note and the results are not there, yeah, it could turn out to be a bit of a disaster.”

Aliadiere also referenced Mourinho’s well-documented relationship with Paul Pogba during their time together at Manchester United.

“I remember Mourinho at Man United, he couldn’t deal with Paul Pogba and Paul Pogba at the time was one of the big names in Europe and it was just not working out.

“So, I’m sure those two will have to sort it out straight away and get along and get it working and fired up. Otherwise, it could be a disaster.”

Final verdict

Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid was designed to complete his footballing legacy, but the biggest prizes continue to elude him.

With Mourinho potentially returning to lead Los Blancos, the French superstar has another opportunity to end his Champions League drought and follow the path carved out by Cristiano Ronaldo. If the partnership clicks, Real Madrid could once again become Europe’s dominant force.