Story perspectives

Real Madrid to start Mbappé vs Villarreal

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 2:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Real Madrid Starts Mbappé

Real Madrid will start Kylian Mbappé in Saturday’s LaLiga match against Villarreal.
Mbappé suffered a left-knee hyperextension in France’s 1-0 Nations League win over Turkey on September 25.
Coach José Mourinho said media criticism of Mbappé’s nightclub and cycling trips was “ridiculous”.
Some supporters launched an “Mbappé Out” campaign and Ultras Sur condemned his Ceuta T-shirt message.

Summary

Modric Mulls Return

The referees’ committee denied rumors that Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez would officiate the upcoming Clasico.
Luka Modric says he misses Real Madrid and would consider returning.
Modric left Real Madrid as a free agent in summer 2025 after 13 seasons and Club World Cup.
Real Madrid supporters expressed displeasure at any Hernandez assignment, recalling his six prior Clasico officiations.

History

Historical Context

In July 2003 Florentino Pérez completed Real Madrid’s Galácticos push by signing England midfielder David Beckham on a four-year contract for a reported fee. Beckham’s arrival sparked a lucrative Asian pre-season tour and a surge in club merchandise, cementing a model of star-driven branding that the club still relies on today globally.

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Real Madrid Starts Mbappé

Real Madrid will start Kylian Mbappé in Saturday’s LaLiga match against Villarreal.
Mbappé suffered a left-knee hyperextension in France’s 1-0 Nations League win over Turkey on September 25.
Coach José Mourinho said media criticism of Mbappé’s nightclub and cycling trips was “ridiculous”.
Some supporters launched an “Mbappé Out” campaign and Ultras Sur condemned his Ceuta T-shirt message.

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