Mbappé scores as Real Madrid cruise past Malaga 4-0

Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé both struck as Real Madrid’s perfect start to La Liga under Jose Mourinho continued in a 4-0 cruise against Malaga on Sunday. Los Blancos scored three times in just over 10 minutes in the first half to open up a comfortable lead over the Andalusian visitors to the Santiago Bernabeu. Sandwiched between Bellingham and Mbappé’s strikes was an own goal by Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero, while Arda Güler tapped in a fourth late on.

Mbappé Shines in Real Madrid's Perfect Start

Real Madrid's perfect start to the La Liga season under Jose Mourinho continued with a dominant home win. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a superb solo effort, beating defenders before firing low. Mbappé then forced the second goal seven minutes later when his shot was parried by Herrero, leading to an own goal. The French star made it 3-0 in the 30th minute, volleying home from Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross for his fourth goal of the campaign. Arda Guler added a late fourth. The win, part of a flawless opening to the season, keeps Real Madrid's confidence high with their superstar trio of Mbappé, Bellingham, and Vinicius Junior starting strongly.

Could Mbappé Really Leave Nike?

One of football's most recognizable commercial partnerships may be ending. Reports from France indicate Mbappé may have terminated his contract with Nike on July 31 after 19 years with the brand. Journalist Thibaud Vézirian suggests the forward is close to an unexpected move. Instead of joining a rival like Adidas, Mbappé could become the centerpiece of a new brand trying to break into the football market. The project would reportedly give him his own line and a financial stake in the company, moving beyond a traditional sponsorship. This potential shift represents a major business gamble for the France captain as he looks to control his brand's future.

Guardiola Backs Kane for Ballon d'Or, Omits Mbappé

Pep Guardiola has publicly named his favourite for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, and it isn't Kylian Mbappé. The former Manchester City manager told Sky Sports that Harry Kane "deserves it." Guardiola cited the Bayern Munich striker's remarkable output of 61 goals in 51 games last season, along with his consistency and role in winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal. "If you ask me, Harry Kane should win the Ballon d'Or," Guardiola said. His clear endorsement notably left out high-profile contenders like Mbappé and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, framing the race around Kane's historic individual campaign.

• On-field form: Mbappé scored in Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Malaga on August 30, taking his league tally to four goals.
• Sponsorship shift: The forward may have ended his 19-year partnership with Nike in July, potentially launching his own brand.
• Award snub: Pep Guardiola did not include Mbappé in his picks for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, backing Harry Kane instead.