Kylian Mbappé Defies Mourinho's Cycling Ban

Kylian Mbappé has posted a video of himself cycling on social media, directly contradicting a specific rule laid down by his Real Madrid manager, José Mourinho. The clip, shared on Sunday, comes as the French superstar is currently sidelined with an injury picked up on international duty. It follows a major off-field move where he ended his long-term partnership with Nike to become the face of Swiss brand On's new football division.

Mbappé's cycling video challenges Mourinho's rules

Just days after Mourinho publicly stated that Real Madrid players "cannot ride a bike" due to injury risks, Mbappé shared an Instagram story showing him pedaling on a country road. He was smiling and wearing a helmet, with the 1970s song "The Good Guys, The Bad Guys" playing in the background. The 20-hour-old post has been interpreted in France as a pointed response to his critics. Mourinho had been emphatic last month, telling the Bet It Drives show that footballers must give up such activities because a fall could cost multiple matches or even cause a broken leg.

A landmark boot deal with On Running

This act of minor rebellion coincides with a huge commercial shift. Roughly two weeks ago, Mbappé confirmed he is leaving Nike after years as one of their flagship athletes. He has signed a deal to be the global ambassador and creative lead for On's new football category. The Swiss brand said Mbappé will be "at the heart" of its football journey, working directly with product teams on future boots and apparel. "I want to bring my experience and perspective into what we create," Mbappé said in a statement, calling it an opportunity to build something new.

Reflecting on two successful years in Madrid

Now in his third season at the Santiago Bernabéu, Mbappé recently reflected on his move from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024. In an interview, he stated his belief that playing for Real Madrid is essential for football immortality. "If you want to be part of football history, you have to play for Real Madrid at some point," he said. The striker has delivered, scoring 94 goals and providing 14 assists in 110 matches for the club. He has started this campaign in blistering form, with eight goals and two assists in just seven games. He added that life in Madrid has brought him "more peace" and that he has never been unhappy since finding his own home in the city.

Naming his football Mount Rushmore

Away from the pitch and the bike, Mbappé also shared his personal list of the game's greatest ever players. Speaking to Complex magazine about six days ago, he named his four GOATs. "My football Mount Rushmore? In no particular order? Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, without hesitation. And I can't leave out the Brazilian Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane," he said. The quartet have combined for a staggering 16 Ballon d'Or awards between them.

• Mbappé posted a cycling video on October 5, 2026, defying a direct warning from manager José Mourinho.
• He has left Nike to front On's new football division, a deal confirmed approximately two weeks ago.
• Since joining Real Madrid in 2024, he has scored 94 goals in 110 appearances across all competitions.
• He names Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazilian Ronaldo, and Zidane as his four football GOATs.