In early 2022, a video surfaced online showing Zouma kicking his pet cat across his kitchen, hurling a pair of shoes at it, and slapping its head. The footage, posted on Snapchat by his brother Yoan, triggered widespread outrage. Following an investigation, Zouma admitted to violating the Animal Welfare Act and was sentenced in May 2022. The court handed him 180 hours of community service and imposed a five-year ban on owning cats.

In addition to his legal punishment, Zouma was fined two weeks’ wages by West Ham United, the highest penalty the club could impose. He also lost a sponsorship deal with Adidas, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) took custody of his two cats.

During the hearing, District Judge Susan Holdham condemned the act, stating, “Both of you took part in this disgraceful and reprehensible act with this pet cat. The cat looked up to you to care for its needs. On that date in February you did not provide for its needs. You must be aware that others look up to you and many young people aspire to emulate you."

Mourinho, never one to shy away from controversy, made a sly remark referencing Zouma’s infamous cat abuse incident. During a recent interview with former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel, the Fenerbahce head coach was asked whether he preferred dogs or cats. His response was both direct and laced with humour: “Dogs. But I don’t have any problems with cats. I’m not Kurt Zouma.”

Zouma, who was signed by Mourinho as a 19-year-old from Saint-Etienne in 2014, had previously spoken about the manager’s tough approach. Recalling a particularly blunt exchange, the French defender admitted that Mourinho once gave him a brutal reality check after a disappointing performance.

“I cannot remember which match we were playing, we were losing 3-1, away from home,” Zouma told RMC Sport.

“The following day, he [Mourinho] catches up with me, he takes me to his office, and he asks me if I am ok. I said yes, and he asked me if I was sure. I said yes again, he replied ‘Because you were rubbish this weekend.’ Like that, direct. It shocked me, but it made me want to immediately respond on the pitch. I remember that it hurt me, that it affected me. But I really wanted to show him that I could react.”

Mourinho, who has built a reputation for thriving in European tournaments, will be looking to guide Fenerbahce to the Europa League round of 16 at the expense of Anderlecht when the two sides meet on Thursday in Belgium.