Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé is no stranger to the spotlight, but a new study has turned the focus away from his goal-scoring prowess and onto a surprising weakness: his off-ball work rate.

A recent report from the CIES Football Observatory analyzed players across 46 leagues, examining how much distance they cover when their team is out of possession. The results placed Mbappé fifth among players who cover the least ground without the ball—a ranking that also includes legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside Artem Dzyuba and Sebastian Villa.

While being grouped with such iconic names underscores Mbappé's elite attacking profile, it also highlights a growing concern at Real Madrid. In modern football, pressing and defensive contribution are just as vital as finding the back of the net. Teams depend on every player to help win back possession, and any weakness in that area can disrupt the entire system.

For Real Madrid, this issue has become a hot topic in recent weeks. Despite Mbappé's impressive goal tally, questions are mounting about his link-up play and defensive effort—especially during matches where Madrid has struggled to control the tempo. The team is navigating a challenging period, with sky-high expectations not always matching results on the pitch.

As Mbappé approaches his late 20s, the narrative is shifting from raw potential to proven achievement. At a club like Real Madrid, success isn't just hoped for—it's demanded. With major trophies eluding the squad in recent seasons, every detail, including off-ball work, is under the microscope.