Real Madrid’s irritation rises over Mbappé’s off‑field conduct
Real Madrid are growing increasingly irritated by the conduct of France captain Kylian Mbappé, 27, the club said, according to L’Équipe. The unease follows a string of off‑field incidents that have unfolded since the international break, prompting the Spanish giants to question the striker’s discipline.
Injury and forced withdrawal
Mbappé suffered a knee injury in the opening match of the international break, a game in which he netted the decisive 1‑0 winner against Turkey. The strike secured three points for France but left the forward limping. Zinédine Zidane, Real Madrid’s manager, confirmed immediately after the match that the French captain would miss the remainder of the international programme.
Zidane announced that Mbappé had been forced to withdraw from the squad for the rest of the break, underscoring the seriousness of the injury. The decision meant the 27‑year‑old could not take part in the subsequent fixtures for France.
Club’s mounting irritation
Last week the player was spotted at a nightclub in Paris before posting a video of himself cycling in Switzerland, despite being expected to recover from his knee problem. The cycling clip sparked particular outrage because José Mourinho had recently said he disliked his players cycling due to injury risk.
When Mourinho reprimands Mbappé after his night out in Paris
Reports suggest Mourinho gave Mbappé a dressing‑down on his return to Madrid, urging greater discretion. L’Équipe understands the Real Madrid manager asked the Frenchman to behave more cautiously, especially as the club has failed to win a major trophy in the last two seasons.
Domestically, Real Madrid already trail rivals Barcelona by six points in the league, adding pressure to the situation. Inside the Spanish side, Mbappé’s conduct is said to be eliciting “irritation” among staff and teammates.
Mourinho demands greater discretion from Mbappé after discomfort at Real Madrid
The irritation is heightened by the former Paris Saint‑Germain forward’s persistent public lobbying for the Ballon d’Or. One source at Real Madrid told L’Équipe, “After more than two years, we have the impression that he still hasn’t understood how Real and its environment works, nor the behaviour that you have to adopt. He is very badly advised, in terms of image; it is a disservice to him as well as the club.”