Sensational rumour: Has Mbappé had enough of Real?

KYLIAN MBAPPE REAL MADRID

In Spain, a sensational rumour is circulating about Kylian Mbappé: his recent injury is said to be a mere pretext to distance himself from Real Madrid.

Reports suggest the striker has simply had enough of life at Real Madrid. 

Mbappé, under contract until 2029, was substituted ten minutes before the final whistle of Saturday’s disappointing draw with Real Betis after reporting knee discomfort. Once he was off the pitch, the Madrid side conceded a late equaliser that effectively pushed the title further out of reach. Hector Bellerin’s equaliser was preceded by an alleged foul on Ferland Mendy—which infuriated coach Álvaro Arbeloa—and a mistake by Antonio Rüdiger. 

After the final whistle, frustration rippled through the Real support, and reporter Tomás Roncero told Cadena SER the fans’ main gripe was the Frenchman’s withdrawal: “They didn’t believe he’d left the pitch because of injury; they felt he wasn’t prepared to give his all.”

Madrid’s Marca went further, splashing “Mbappé has had enough” across its front page. Marca attributed his apparent disenchantment to two factors: first, “recurring physical problems” ahead of the World Cup, with March rumours suggesting the medical staff even examined the wrong leg. Second, “certain eccentricities” off the pitch; the 27-year-old is reported to be increasingly irritated by some of his team-mates. 

Mbappe

Mbappé: Clash with Bellingham, Vinicius and Arbeloa?

He has reportedly clashed with Jude Bellingham on several occasions and is said to have a poor relationship with Arbeloa. He is also unhappy that the club favours Vinicius Junior over him, and the pair’s strained bond has been well documented. 

According to Sky, however, the Brazilian is now close to extending his deal, which currently runs until 2027. More than a year ago, Vinicius publicly stated that he would soon sign a new contract with the La Liga giants, yet that has not happened. 

Sources claim that negotiations stalled over his strained relationship with Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa’s predecessor, and his salary demands. Most recently, Vinicius has reportedly accepted that Mbappé will stay as Real’s highest-paid player, despite earlier ambitions to become the club’s top earner.

To Mbappé’s delight, Arbeloa looks set to be sidelined once again.

Vinicius feels far more valued under Arbeloa, yet his exit appears inevitable after a likely trophy-less campaign. Successor talks are already underway, a move said to please Mbappé. 

France boss Didier Deschamps, set to depart after this summer’s World Cup, is among the contenders and already has a strong relationship with Mbappé.