Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid career has not met expectations, with the club potentially facing a second successive season without winning La Liga or the Champions League.
The 27-year-old has scored 85 goals in 100 appearances since his arrival. However, the club’s failure to secure major silverware has led to frustration.
Fan Petition and Injury Concerns
Mbappe is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in late April against Real Betis, casting doubt on his availability for the Clasico against Barcelona.
An online petition calling for ‘Mbappe out’ has gained traction on social media, encouraging fans to demand change regarding the player’s future at the club.
The petition aimed to collect 200,000 signatures, but more than 12 million people have signed it in less than 24 hours.
Yacht Trip Controversy
Mbappe was granted time off last week and travelled to Sardinia during his recovery. This trip, although approved by the club, was not well-received by supporters, especially as photographs of him on a yacht emerged while Real were playing Espanyol.
Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa commented, “In his free time, Mbappe can do whatever he wants, like any other player.”
Dressing Room Tension
Alongside questions about his commitment, there are also claims of dressing-room tension and frustration.
Mbappe’s representatives released a statement to the media this week saying any criticism “does not reflect the reality of Kylian’s commitment and daily work for the team”.
El Clasico Doubt
Attention is focused on whether Mbappe will be fit to feature at the Spotify Camp Nou.
“We’ll see how Mbappe is this week,” Arbeloa said. “After last week’s tests, it looked as though it might take a bit longer.”
Real are trailing Barcelona in La Liga by 11 points and were ousted from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.