Things have gone from bad to worse as the Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid situation seems to have taken a turn for the worse in a recent development.
Kylian Mbappé’s first season at Real Madrid was supposed to mark the beginning of a new era. Instead, it is becoming one of the most complicated storylines in European football.
On an individual level, Mbappé has delivered. The French forward has reportedly scored 41 goals across all competitions. But Real Madrid’s season has still fallen apart, with the club exiting the Champions League against Bayern Munich and trailing Barcelona by 11 points in La Liga. That leaves Madrid facing the possibility of a trophyless campaign.
The Mbappe Italy vacation controversy
The latest tension began after Mbappé suffered a muscle strain in his left leg, ruling him out of recent matches. While sidelined, images of him vacationing in Cagliari and Sardinia went viral, creating discomfort around the club.
The situation became even more sensitive when he was reportedly spotted landing in Madrid just minutes before Real Madrid clashed with Espanyol, a match in which Vinicius Jr. impressed with a brace. Inside the club, the reaction was reportedly more confusion than anger, but the decision to travel so publicly was still considered strange.
Dressing room tensions grow
Behind closed doors, reports suggest the situation is even more serious. Mbappé has been accused of showing a self-centred attitude both on and off the pitch.
He was also reportedly involved in incidents where he allegedly disrespected a member of staff during training and arrived 40 minutes late for a team lunch without facing punishment. These claims have added to the feeling that not everyone inside the dressing room is comfortable with the current atmosphere.
Vinicius Jr. gains support
While Mbappé is under pressure, Vinicius Jr. appears to have strengthened his position within the squad. Reports claim the Real Madrid dressing room has increasingly rallied around the Brazilian, viewing him as a major leader in the team.
His performances have also improved under Arbeloa, making him even more important to Madrid’s attacking identity. That has created a difficult dynamic, with Mbappé and Vinicius both seen as superstar figures fighting for influence in the same team.
A Bigger Split Inside Real Madrid
The reported tension is not just about Mbappé and Vinicius. There are also claims that different groups have formed inside the squad, with some players unhappy and others backing the coaching staff.
Reports have mentioned disagreements involving senior players and manager Arbeloa, suggesting that the pressure of a disappointing season has created wider divisions inside the club.
Fans Launch “Mbappé Out” Petition
The crisis has now reached the fanbase. A petition calling for Mbappé to leave Real Madrid reportedly passed 71,000 signatures, while the hashtag “Mbappé Out” gained attention on social media.
For a player who arrived as one of the biggest names in football, that level of backlash shows how quickly expectations can turn into pressure at Real Madrid.
What Happens Next?
Real Madrid now face a crucial summer. There are already suggestions that Mbappé and Vinicius may be difficult to fit into the same long-term project, while a managerial change is also being discussed.
With El Clásico against Barcelona approaching, the timing could hardly be worse. Mbappé still has the talent, numbers and reputation to turn the situation around, but at Real Madrid, individual brilliance is never enough on its own.