Real Madrid’s international break brings different priorities across the squad, with 15 players heading away on national-team duty and others remaining at Valdebebas for recovery and fitness work. Thiago Pitarch is expected to regain competitive minutes with Castilla, while Kylian Mbappé and Carlos Espí have discussed their ambitions, their relationships with José Mourinho, and the experiences that brought them to Madrid. Elsewhere, the fallout from the Under-20 Intercontinental Cup continues, and there
is another postponement in the prosecution of a supporter accused of racially abusing Vinícius Júnior.
Castilla minutes planned for Thiago Pitarch
Thiago Pitarch is expected to use the international break to rebuild his match fitness with Castilla after returning from the knee injury that disrupted his summer. According to MARCA, as reported by Tribuna, Mourinho has approved a plan for the midfielder to play with the reserves, beginning with Wednesday’s rescheduled fixture against Sant Andreu.
Pitarch returned to the first-team squad two weeks ago but did not feature against Inter, Rayo Vallecano, Elche or Atlético Madrid. With the senior side not playing again until October 10, Castilla’s three league fixtures during that period offer an opportunity to accumulate minutes rather than continue waiting for an opening from the first-team bench.
Although Mourinho considers him part of his senior group, Pitarch remains registered with Castilla. The arrangement therefore allows him to play for the reserves without representing a permanent change to the coach’s plans for him.
A possible Spain Under-20 appearance against Mexico on September 30 could provide another opportunity, although that fixture remains tentative. Pitarch’s last competitive appearance came in Spain’s Under-19 European Championship final on July 11, before he suffered his injury after returning to Valdebebas.
Mbappé discusses the Ballon d’Or, Mourinho and choosing Madrid
Kylian Mbappé has spoken at length to RFI and The Athletic about his Ballon d’Or ambitions, his career decisions and his expectations at Real Madrid. The Frenchman maintained that winning the individual award matters to him without defining his outlook.
“I think it’s a goal for any player, but I don’t think it’s an obsession. I’ve had a good year, a great year on an individual level; I know that’s the most important criterion for the Ballon d’Or. I was the top scorer in the most important competitions and I think it can be a good year for me; I have a good feeling,” he told RFI.
Mbappé argued that individual performance should carry particular weight when assessing the candidates.
“I don’t think they’re going to announce a team when they open the envelope. They’re going to announce a player, so I think it’s an individual award. And I think that’s what should prevail. Of course, the other factors shouldn’t be disregarded, but I think the ability to perform at a high individual level and leave everyone speechless is what really makes the difference for a trophy like the Ballon d’Or.”
He also discussed his connection to Africa and the significance that winning the trophy would have for people who have supported him there.
“I have never severed ties with my roots and my origins. I have always had an upbringing steeped in African culture. Every time I go to Africa, I feel the love of the people and I am always very well received. I hope to return with the Ballon d’Or and, in one way or another, dedicate it to them as well.”
Mourinho and the responsibility to win
Speaking to The Athletic, Mbappé described the squad’s determination to compete for trophies and his curiosity about working with Mourinho.
“Everyone expects something from us. We’re hungry and can’t wait to fight for every title,” he said, adding that having Mourinho back at the club was “a privilege.” He explained that the Portuguese coach’s standing in the game had made him eager to experience his methods firsthand.
Mbappé also reflected on the scale of his World Cup achievements, admitting that becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer had arrived earlier than he imagined.
“I always wanted to break records and for people to remember my name. But I have to be honest: I didn’t expect to be the all-time top scorer in World Cup history at 27. The World Cup is the competition for the biggest stars, for the greatest players in the history of football.”
The Liverpool opportunity—and why he chose Paris
One of the interview’s most detailed recollections concerned Liverpool’s attempts to sign him while he was at Monaco. Mbappé said his mother had been particularly enthusiastic about the possibility of him playing at Anfield under Jürgen Klopp, but his own preference was to establish himself in Paris.
“It was when I was playing for Monaco. I had to make a decision. And yes, I was close to Liverpool. My mother loved Jürgen Klopp and her favourite destination was Liverpool. She wanted me to go there. I didn’t listen to her because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. I didn’t want to leave my country before I had become someone.”
The discussions included a meeting with Klopp aboard a plane, which Mbappé recalled circling while the manager outlined his project.
“I remember we were on the plane, circling and circling in the air while he explained his project to me. I told him, ‘You don’t need to convince me. You’re Jürgen Klopp, it’s Liverpool, a great club, so of course, if I’m here it’s because I have a certain interest. But I have other things, other projects, which are also good.’”
Asked about watching PSG win the Champions League after his departure, Mbappé said their subsequent success had not changed his view of his decision to leave.
“When I made the decision to leave PSG, my time there was over. I did everything I could for them, and I think I did very well. But I wanted to fulfil my dream of playing for Real Madrid, and at 25, it was the perfect time. For me, it was the best decision.”
On, personal values and Cristiano Ronaldo
Mbappé also explained his decision to end his association with Nike and join On, describing it as an opportunity to help shape something from its beginning.
“I had an incredible history with Nike. I can only thank Nike because they signed me when I was eight years old. With Nike, I realised many of my dreams, from being a child to becoming a global superstar. But I wanted something different because I had changed as a person, as a man, and I had different goals and visions. For them, it’s something new, entering the world of football, and I wanted to be a part of it from the beginning and build a legacy.”
On his willingness to speak publicly about matters beyond football, Mbappé said he accepted that expressing his views would not produce universal agreement.
“Everyone has their own values and their own mindset. I’m a person who isn’t afraid to speak out. When I believe I’m on the right track and that it’s the right thing to do, I step forward. Of course, I think beforehand about how to say it and how to structure what I’m going to say, but I want to do it. I have no problem with that.”
The interview also touched on the relationship between childhood inspiration and his present-day life. Asked about guests for an imaginary dinner, Mbappé named Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Rihanna and Cristiano Ronaldo, whose role in his life has evolved.
“Cristiano, who used to be my idol, is now my friend, and I love spending time with him. He gives me advice, he supports me, and he knows I’ll always support him.”
Carlos Espí: “Mourinho me pide que ayude a Mbappé”
Carlos Espí has discussed his rapid transition from Levante to Real Madrid, his first Spain Under-21 call-up and the demands of contributing from the bench. Speaking to AS, the striker said the international recognition had added to his motivation.
“I knew I had a chance, and the Under-21 call-up has really motivated me. I’m very, very eager to support and help the team in any way I can.”
Espí recalled the difficulty of keeping his Madrid move confidential while friends repeatedly asked where he would be playing.
“It was incredibly difficult,” he said. “Imagine not being able to say you were going to sign for Real Madrid! It was a tough few days, because you want to say it, but you have to do what they ask. They told us it would be done soon, that we shouldn’t say anything. But all I wanted was to tell my friends. You wouldn’t believe how many times they asked me if I was going to one team or another. But I couldn’t say anything! Anyway, I’m very happy. And they’re very happy for me.”
There was little hesitation when Madrid’s interest became concrete.
“As soon as Real Madrid was mentioned, we knew it was a big step in my career, a chance to grow, to improve every day. You do that in every training session, you learn new things. Every minute I play for Real Madrid is extra motivation.”
Mourinho’s instructions and learning alongside Mbappé
Espí credited Mourinho with helping him feel comfortable while maintaining demanding expectations.
“Given Mourinho’s track record, for him to welcome me the way he did from day one, to be so demanding of me… It makes me feel more comfortable, more secure, more confident. It’s a privilege that Mourinho treats me this way.”
Asked what the coach tells him before introducing him into difficult match situations, Espí outlined a straightforward brief.
“First of all, he always tells me to give my all. Whether it’s five, 10, or 15 minutes. To give everything. And to help Kylian, who’s next to me, so we complement each other up front.”
The striker said moving from a prominent role at Levante to competing for limited minutes at Madrid had not changed his immediate priorities.
“I’m here to seize every opportunity. I want to improve, I want to grow. Training with people like Kylian, Jude… with everyone. It’s incredible to see how competitive and demanding they are. I’m learning and improving a lot. Every time I step onto the pitch, I want to give my all and help out.”
He also acknowledged the comparisons with Joselu without treating them as a blueprint he must follow.
“He’s him, and I’m me. He made the most of his opportunities, and every time I play, I try to make the most of them. I do what the manager says: work my hardest for Real Madrid. He’s also a target man; we’re similar. But I focus on myself, on how I can help the team.”
Responding to the derby defeat
Espí stressed the importance of unity after Sunday’s defeat at Atlético Madrid and suggested that the break offered an opportunity to regroup.
“Everyone wants to win, especially a derby at Atleti’s ground. It’s tough, of course, but there are still many games to play. We have to stick together, not give up, I think we’ll pull through. This break is good for us to recharge and look ahead.”
He spoke positively about reuniting with Gonzalo García in the Under-21 squad, saying the two could complement each other but that selection remained the coach’s decision. Asked for three wishes, Espí named winning trophies with Madrid, reaching Spain’s senior team and enjoying a productive international window. His Ballon d’Or choice required no deliberation: “Mbappé.”
Figo expects Madrid to respond
Luís Figo has backed Real Madrid to remain competitive over the course of the season, arguing that their response to difficult periods will matter more than any single result.
“I’m sure Madrid will compete until the end,” Figo told Radio MARCA. “This is a competition that needs to be consistent until May. There will be ups and downs throughout the season. When there are lows, you have to have the maturity and also the quality to overcome them and move forward.”
Asked about Mourinho’s reaction after the derby, Figo declined to assess the coach’s conduct.
“Mourinho did what he thought he would do at that moment. I have no reason to comment on his reaction after the derby. I believe they are personal actions, and if he did it, it’s because that’s how he felt.”
He also praised Mbappé’s consistency.
“He’s always at a very high level. He’s made us accustomed to him being one of the best in the world, to scoring goals.”
Fifteen players leave for international duty
Real Madrid have confirmed that 15 players will represent their national teams during the September–October window. Ten will participate in the Nations League, while Brahim Díaz and Yan Diomande have Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and friendlies. Vinícius and Endrick join Brazil for three friendlies, and Carlos Espí heads to Spain’s Under-21 squad for European Championship qualifying.
Two early fixtures will put Madrid teammates on opposite sides: Arda Güler’s Turkey host the France contingent of Mbappé, Ibrahima Konaté and Eduardo Camavinga on September 25, before Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham’s England face Dean Huijsen and Marc Cucurella’s Spain at Wembley the following evening.
The club’s published schedule is below. All kick-off times are Madrid time.
Recovery work at Valdebebas
AS reports that 11 players will remain under the club’s supervision during the break: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Fede Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Pitarch, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo. Their programs will differ according to fitness and availability, with Pitarch’s schedule expected to include Castilla matches.
Valverde’s priority is recovery. Madrid confirmed on Tuesday that tests revealed a grade-three sprain in his left ankle, without specifying a return date. Tchouaméni will have an opportunity to improve his conditioning, while Militão, Mendy and Rodrygo continue their rehabilitation.
Wanderers coach criticises pre-final stadium visit
Santiago Wanderers coach Felipe Salinas has criticised aspects of his team’s preparations for Saturday’s Under-20 Intercontinental Cup final, which Madrid won 3–1. In comments to Chilean media, Salinas questioned the length of the Bernabéu tour his players undertook the day before the match, arguing that it added unnecessary physical demands to an already challenging trip.
Salinas said the visit involved extensive walking and repeated trips up and down stairs, prompting him to ask the accompanying guide when it would finish. He also pointed to the journey from Chile and the physical requirements of facing Madrid as factors his team had needed to manage.
Communication with referee Damian Sylwestrzak was another complaint raised by members of the Wanderers group. Goalkeeper Fabiano Avello told Radio ADN that the language barrier had made discussions with the officials difficult.
“We had zero communication with the referee. The Real Madrid players spoke fluent English, so they were talking to the referee, and we couldn’t get past two words.”
Avello described that as a disadvantage, saying his teammates struggled to understand the referee. The comments represent the coach’s and goalkeeper’s accounts of the experience; the reporting cited here does not establish that Wanderers have lodged a formal complaint against Madrid.
Video: Diomande’s TikTok references his transfer fee
Yan Diomande has attracted attention with a TikTok video in which he sings along to Migbo (Remix) by Sethlo and L’Oiseau Rare. The excerpt references a €140 million figure and continuing to progress despite criticism:
L’Équipe graphic renews discussion of Madrid’s attacking positions
A graphic published by L’Équipe has circulated widely following the derby, highlighting the overlap between Mbappé’s and Vinícius’ positions on the left side of Madrid’s attack. The French publication used the first-half positioning to question how the forwards were sharing space before Huijsen’s dismissal changed the match.
Trial over alleged racist abuse of Vinícius postponed again
The trial of a Sevilla supporter accused of racially abusing Vinícius during Madrid’s visit to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán on October 21, 2023 has been postponed for a second time. The hearing, scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, will now take place on May 13, 2027, according to Europa Press.
The case had initially been scheduled for April 2026 before being moved to September. The latest postponement followed a request from one of the parties.
According to the prosecution’s provisional account, the accused repeatedly directed racist insults and gestures at Vinícius from the North Goal stand between the 83rd and 86th minutes. Prosecutors allege that the conduct included imitating a primate and shouting racist abuse, causing humiliation and undermining the player’s dignity.
The prosecution is seeking one year and nine months in prison for an alleged offence against moral integrity. That is the sentence being requested, not a punishment already imposed; the allegations remain to be determined at trial
