Kylian Mbappé's Hat-Trick Launches Real Madrid's Perfect La Liga Start

Kylian Mbappé joined Real Madrid after a successful World Cup campaign, marking a new era for the club. His move was backed by a significant investment from the club, with reports from L'Équipe noting a €150 million transfer fee.

Mbappé immediately became a focal point in José Mourinho's new-look squad. His first appearance came in a preseason friendly against Schalke 04, where he scored and helped Real Madrid secure a comfortable 3-0 win. Mourinho expressed excitement about working with Mbappé, highlighting the striker's technical ability and strong presence in training.

On August 16, Real Madrid wrapped up their preseason with a 3-0 victory over Schalke 04, with Mbappé scoring in his debut. The match was seen as a strong signal of intent from both the player and the club, as reported by ESPN FC and L'Équipe.

The momentum carried into La Liga's opening weekend. On August 26, Real Madrid faced Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu. Mbappé stole the show with a hat-trick, leading the team to a 4-1 win in Mourinho's return to the home dugout after more than a decade away. Multiple outlets, including ESPN, Al Jazeera, and Marca, highlighted that this performance pushed Mbappé's career league goals to 250, placing him third among active players behind Lewandowski and Kane.

Following this, Mourinho publicly praised Mbappé, calling his performance "incredible" and advocating for him as a top Ballon d'Or candidate, according to L'Équipe and The Guardian. Mourinho also criticized the award's selection criteria, emphasizing that individual brilliance should outweigh team trophies.

Real Madrid then hosted Málaga on August 30, continuing their flawless start. Mbappé scored again in a 4-0 win, and Jude Bellingham also found the net. The pair have quickly become the team's leading figures, with L'Équipe describing them as guides for Mourinho's squad.

Real Madrid has won all three of their opening La Liga matches, outscoring opponents 12-1. Mbappé has scored in every game, including a standout hat-trick against Real Sociedad. He now has 90 goals in 106 matches since joining the club in 2024, according to L'Équipe.

Coach José Mourinho is openly backing Mbappé for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, arguing that his performances set him apart regardless of team trophies. The team, led by Mbappé and Bellingham, has quickly found a strong rhythm under Mourinho's return.

Real Madrid's next test will be maintaining their perfect run as the season progresses, with tough fixtures ahead. Mbappé's form and Mourinho's outspoken support for his Ballon d'Or campaign will continue to draw attention, especially as awards season approaches and the Champions League group stage begins.