Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has drawn criticism within the club and the dressing room following controversial off-field actions and the management of a recent muscle injury, according to a report published by El Mundo.
The Growing Frustration in Valdebebas Over Mbappé’s Independence
As Real Madrid sits fourth in the La Liga standings—trailing Barcelona by six points following a derby defeat to Atlético Madrid—every movement of the club’s high-profile forward is facing intense scrutiny from supporters, management, and teammates. Sources close to the squad indicate that the French international “goes a bit his own way” (va un poco por libre), creating friction during a crucial stretch of the domestic campaign.
The tension stems from a sequence of events beginning in mid-September. On September 15 in Elche, Mbappé reportedly led a refusal to wear a supportive T-shirt for Ceuta, an action mirrored by teammates Vinicius and Konaté. Hours later, the striker gave interviews emphasizing his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or. Later in the month, following a derby defeat marred by refereeing controversies, Mbappé publicly stated that “referees are human,” contrasting with the club’s official stance criticizing officiating decisions.
Mbappé Follows Separate Recovery Plan After Knee Injury
Friction increased during the late September international break. On September 25, Mbappé sustained a hyperextension of the posterior capsule in his left knee during France’s opening match and left the national team camp. Rather than returning directly to Real Madrid’s Valdebebas sports city—where injured teammates such as Rodrygo, Mendy, and Militao were rehabilitating—Mbappé spent his days off following a specific work plan before returning to Madrid on Monday, October 5, ten days after the initial injury.
While club management defended the logistics and maintained that all player travel is officially authorized—including a Tuesday trip to Paris following a gym session in Valdebebas for a foundation event—members of the squad expressed bewilderment. “Many of the things he does are not understood,” sources within the locker room stated regarding his recovery timeline.
Limited Support for Ballon d’Or Ambitions Within the Squad
Beyond travel schedules and tactical stances, Mbappé’s persistent media campaign for the Ballon d’Or has found minimal backing among his peers.
Upcoming Fixtures and Squad Schedule
Real Madrid returns to action at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday to face Villarreal, followed by a fixture against Sevilla before traveling to Camp Nou to play Barcelona in a match with significant league championship implications.
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