Kylian Mbappé is never far from the headlines—even when he's sidelined. The Real Madrid and France superstar is currently recovering from a hamstring injury, but his recent Italian getaway has stirred up a storm of criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Mbappé, who will lead France at the 2026 World Cup next month, was spotted enjoying time in Sardinia over the past few days. While the club's medical staff granted him time off since he can't be included in the matchday squad, the timing has raised eyebrows. The images surfaced just as Real Madrid secured a crucial win over Espanyol, delaying Barcelona's chance to clinch the La Liga title—a moment that now sets the stage for this Sunday's blockbuster El Clásico.
The backlash has been intense. An online petition calling for Real Madrid to sell Mbappé in the summer has already amassed over 1.2 million signatures. "Madridistas, make your voice heard. If you believe change is needed, don't stay silent—sign this petition and stand for what you think is best for the club's future," it reads.
Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa addressed the controversy after the Espanyol match, delivering a pointed message. "Each player does what they consider appropriate in their free time. We didn't build Real Madrid with players who play in tuxedos, but with players who finish matches with shirts full of sweat and mud, through effort and sacrifice. This is a club where no player has ever been, is, or ever will be bigger than Real Madrid."
Mbappé's camp fired back on Tuesday, issuing a statement to AFP: "Part of the criticisms are based on an overinterpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club. This is not corresponding to the reality of the commitment and the work that Kylian does daily for the good of the team."
Despite the drama, Mbappé's numbers this season are hard to ignore. In his second campaign at the Bernabéu, he has scored 41 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions. However, his trophy haul since joining on a free transfer from PSG in summer 2024 remains modest: just the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the Spanish Super Cup. In a curious twist, PSG—now without Mbappé and led by Luis Enrique—are thriving, adding another layer to the ongoing narrative.
Whether this storm blows over or signals deeper issues, one thing is clear: at Real Madrid, the club's legacy always takes center stage.