Real Madrid are heading into one of the biggest fixtures of the season with more than just tactical concerns on their minds. As El Clásico against Barcelona at Camp Nou looms, tension is reportedly brewing at the highest level of the club—and it centers on none other than Kylian Mbappé.

According to recent reports from SPORT, club president Florentino Pérez is growing increasingly frustrated with the French superstar’s attitude and conduct. When Pérez secured Mbappé’s signing, the vision was clear: Mbappé would be the face of Real Madrid’s long-term project. That role comes with immense responsibility, both on and off the pitch—and insiders suggest those standards haven't been met in recent weeks.

The immediate concern, however, remains Mbappé’s fitness. The forward is currently dealing with a hamstring issue, and the club has scheduled medical tests at Valdebebas to assess his availability. The message from the top is unmistakable: Pérez wants his marquee player on the pitch for the biggest game of the season.

But the situation is far from simple. Despite Mbappé’s undeniable talent, the numbers tell a sobering story. Real Madrid have managed just two wins in their last eight matches when he has started—a stark contrast to their form without him. In those games, Madrid have won six of their last seven across La Liga and the Champions League, looking far more balanced and cohesive.

Off the pitch, tension has only grown. Mbappé’s recent trip to Italy and France—during a critical preparation period ahead of an important match against Espanyol—has raised eyebrows within the club. Given his current injury and the magnitude of the upcoming Clásico, many inside and around Real Madrid are left wondering whether the superstar’s focus is where it needs to be.

As Sunday’s showdown approaches, all eyes will be on Mbappé—not just for his fitness, but for his commitment to the badge.