Omotayo Fashola
(Kylian Mbappe in action for Real Madrid. Photo: Getty Images)
Real Madrid’s star forward Kylian Mbappe has sparked controversy among fans after being spotted vacationing in Sardinia while recovering from a hamstring injury, just days before the crucial El Clasico clash against Barcelona.
The French international’s decision to travel during what was supposed to be a recovery period for injured players—including Thibaut Courtois and Arda Güler—has left sections of the Real Madrid fanbase frustrated.
Social media erupted when a parody account circulated an edited image of Mbappe with the word “Fuera” (Out) stamped across his face, which was later shared in the comments of Real Madrid’s official posts. The backlash intensified as fans launched an online petition titled “Voice of the Madridistas,” urging the club to reconsider Mbappe’s future. The petition reads: “Stand up for the values of this club—sign now if you believe change is needed.”
Further fueling the tension were viral photos of Mbappe with Spanish actress Ester Expósito, posted just as Real Madrid geared up for a must-win match against Espanyol to delay Barcelona’s potential title celebrations.
After securing a 2-0 victory, manager Álvaro Arbeloa downplayed the controversy, stating: “Players manage their free time as they see fit.” However, his remarks about “sweat and dirt” over “tuxedos” and his insistence that “no player is bigger than Real Madrid” were seen by many as thinly veiled critiques of Mbappe.
Mbappe’s camp, when reached for comment, dismissed the outrage as exaggerated, emphasizing that his recovery is “strictly monitored by the club” and that his commitment to Real Madrid remains unwavering.
Despite leading Madrid’s scoring charts with 41 goals in 41 matches, Mbappe’s recent performances have drawn criticism, with pundits accusing him of prioritizing individual play over teamwork.
Tension within the squad seemed to surface post-match, as Vinícius Júnior praised the team’s unity, saying, “When we fight as one, no one can stop us.” Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham’s Instagram post urging “full commitment until the final whistle” was interpreted by some as a subtle dig at Mbappe. Their close bond off the pitch has only fueled speculation about locker-room divisions.
Mbappe, no stranger to scrutiny, previously addressed criticism on teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni’s podcast: “At this point, I’ll be judged no matter what—might as well stay true to myself.”
