Mbappé under fire in Madrid: the crisis intensifies despite criticism
In Madrid, the crisis is intensifying as Kylian Mbappé finds himself once again under fire, following a mixed start to the season marked by a derby defeat to Atlético and a six‑point lag behind Barça after six matchdays.
The defeat to Atlético has increased the pressure on José Mourinho and his squad. After six matchdays, Real sit six points behind Barça, which has heightened internal tensions. The newspaper NLBeeld highlighted that the crisis in Madrid is revolving around Mbappé, and calm has still not returned to the White House, according to observers.
Spanish media have reported frictions among some players, and the Special One has not yet managed to restore order. “The atmosphere in the dressing room is still as icy as it was five months ago,” notes journalist Anton Meana, a keen follower of the Merengues.
Mbappé's behaviour and criticism
During the international break, Kylian Mbappé was the target of numerous criticisms, amplified by his hasty departure from the France squad gathering due to injury, without returning to Madrid. His absence was justified by the club, but his nightclub escapade and bike ride irritated the coach. The site even invites readers to add the page to their Google favorites.
“He had the club’s permission,” journalist Pablo Polo said, but José Mourinho did not appreciate the way the player handled his recovery, according to the same commentator on RMC’s microphone. This attitude has fueled resentment within the dressing room.
summarises the situation by stating that incidents are piling up. Javier Tinto, for Radio, judges Mbappé “a player who only thinks about himself and doesn’t care about anything else,” especially because of his campaign for the Ballon d’Or.
Presenter Josep Pedrerol, on the talk‑show ‘’, added that Real want a Mbappé who identifies with the club, who works and shows up at training, rather than making headlines for his off‑field activities. He emphasized that the club has heard nothing about the player’s request to launch a campaign in favour of his Ballon d’Or.
Tight schedule and chance to redeem himself
Real must play seven matches in less than a month, including a scorching Clasico on Barça’s pitch on 25 October, the day before the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Mbappé has clearly marked this date in his calendar, aware of the stakes.
During the break, the Frenchman was spotted in a nightclub in Paris and posted a bike ride on social media, while José Mourinho had said he did not want his players cycling. This contradiction has fed internal criticism.
The contrast between the collective pressure on Real and the individual controversies surrounding Mbappé reveals a lingering tension that will need to be resolved quickly, under the spotlight of the upcoming clash with Barça. The next matches will give the Frenchman the opportunity to answer his detractors with his performances on the pitch.