A serious suspicion is circulating in Spain concerning Kylian Mbappe. His recent injury is rumored to be a mere excuse to distance himself from Real Madrid.
Reports speculate that the forward has simply had enough of his current role with the club.
Mbappe, who is contracted until 2029, was substituted ten minutes before the end of the disappointing draw against Real Betis due to knee problems. In his absence, Madrid conceded an equalizer shortly before the final whistle, further diminishing their championship hopes. Hector Bellerin’s goal followed a suspected foul on Ferland Mendy, which incensed coach Alvaro Arbeloa, and a mistake by Antonio Rüdiger.
After the match, frustration spread among Real supporters. However, reporter Tomas Roncero on the radio station Cadena SER suggested this was primarily due to the Frenchman’s substitution: «Because they didn’t feel that Mbappe was genuinely leaving the pitch injured. There was a feeling that he didn’t want to give his all.»
The Madrid-based newspaper Marca went a step further, titling their report: «Mbappe has had enough.» This is attributed, on one hand, to «his recurring physical problems leading up to the World Cup.» As recently as March, there were rumors of a misdiagnosis by the medical department, which had even examined the wrong leg of Mbappe. On the other hand, it’s also due to «certain eccentricities» behind the scenes. The 27-year-old is reportedly increasingly annoyed with certain teammates.
Mbappe: Clashes with Bellingham, Vinicius, and Arbeloa?
Several confrontations with Jude Bellingham are said to have occurred. He also reportedly holds a questionable view of Arbeloa and is displeased that the team appears to favor Vinicius Junior over him. The relationship between the two superstars has been portrayed as tense for some time.
According to Sky, the Brazilian is on the verge of extending his contract, which currently runs until 2027. Over a year ago, Vinicius publicly announced his intention to sign a new contract with the Spanish top club soon, but this has not yet materialized.
Sticking points have been his poor relationship with Arbeloa’s predecessor, Xabi Alonso, and his high salary demands. Now, he is reportedly said to have made concessions, allowing Mbappe to remain Real’s highest earner. There have been reports that Vinicius wanted to be the absolute top earner in the Real Madrid squad going forward.
To Mbappe’s delight? Arbeloa likely on his way out again
Vinicius reportedly feels much more valued again under Arbeloa. However, his departure, following what is almost certainly a title-less season, seems all but decided. Likely to Mbappe’s pleasure, replacements are reportedly already being sought behind the scenes.
Among those recently considered as the new Real coach is France’s national team manager Didier Deschamps, who will leave the Equipe Tricolore after the World Cup in the summer and knows Mbappe extremely well.