Real Madrid legend Fernando Morientes has stepped up to defend Kylian Mbappe, urging the club to provide more support for the French superstar amid mounting criticism in the Spanish capital.
Mbappe, widely regarded as one of the world's top talents, has faced an unusual amount of scrutiny despite posting staggering numbers this season. The 27-year-old has netted an incredible 41 goals in 41 appearances across the 2025-26 campaign—a stat line that would make most strikers envious. Yet, a petition calling for his departure from Madrid has reportedly amassed over 73 million signatures.
The criticism intensified after Barcelona secured their second consecutive La Liga title with a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid in El Clásico, even without the injured Lamine Yamal. The win made Barcelona 29-time champions and added extra sting for Madrid fans, as the title was clinched against their fiercest rivals.
Mbappe missed that crucial match due to a hamstring injury and was also involved in a reported training ground incident with Madrid's coaching staff ahead of a draw with Real Betis last month.
Morientes, who scored 100 goals for Real Madrid during his playing days, understands the weight of leading the line for the world's biggest club. He believes Mbappe's individual contributions have been exceptional, but the lack of team trophies has unfairly colored public perception.
"In a team like Real Madrid, which is the best in the world, you usually mark individual goals and collective goals. I think that Mbappe's individual goals are more than met," Morientes said. "He's been the team's top scorer, and probably also the league's top scorer. But he hasn't met the collective goals—and that makes people see him in a different way. People want him to score goals and win titles, and that's what's been missing. But I think he's a spectacular player. In the future, the club has to give him much more performance."
As Mbappe sets his sights on a second FIFA World Cup title with France this summer, the message from Morientes is clear: great players need great support, especially when the pressure is at its peak. For Real Madrid, finding that balance between individual brilliance and team success will be key to unlocking the best from their star man.