Mbappé’s Real Madrid journey isn’t going as expected – and these three moments explain why

Not even scoring 85 goals in his first 100 games for Real Madrid has been enough for Kylian Mbappé to build a solid relationship with his new fanbase. At every minor misstep, after each play that doesn’t end happily, a faint murmur rises inside the Bernabéu. Sometimes, that murmur turns into whistles. Accustomed to watching the very best players in world soccer for decades, the Bernabéu crowd demands something more from its stars – something it still doesn’t believe it has seen from Mbappé.

Mbappé arrived with another side to him beyond his goals, a facet that has surfaced sporadically since he was first linked with Real Madrid through various incidents – including when he turned down the club in 2022 despite a deal appearing done. “This Mbappé is not my Mbappé,” Florentino Pérez said at the time. He later came to understand that the Frenchman had made that decision under immense national pressure, and two years later chose him as the cornerstone of the club’s future project.

Mbappé’s Stockholm hotel episode

Once Mbappé’s move to Madrid was finalized, the player has been involved in three episodes that, at the very least, have puzzled his own supporters. The first came during one of his early injuries at Real Madrid. Taking advantage of his absence from international duty during the October 2024 break, he made a quick trip to Stockholm to attend a party with friends. He was photographed by a local newspaper. The trip initially went largely unnoticed in Spain, but not in France, where it was widely felt that, if injured, he should have been focusing on recovery rather than traveling.

“If Mbappé has days off, he can do what he wants,” Didier Deschamps said in his defense. However, despite being fit, he was not called up for the next squad. The underlying issue suggested that Mbappé could have joined the previous camp – the one he skipped for Stockholm – but opted to rest instead. A message needed to be sent to the rest of the squad. Beyond that, there was also a reported investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving a woman at the hotel where Mbappé stayed in Sweden – a case later dismissed by authorities with no consequences for the player.

Mbappé’s Paris trip for his knee

The second incident came recently, when Mbappé, dealing with a knee injury from a sprain suffered late last year, chose to step away and recover fully in his home country. Reports from Paris suggested a serious misdiagnosis by Real Madrid’s medical staff. The news broke via RMC, and the player, frustrated, decided to cut ties temporarily and recover for several days in his native Paris, surrounded by trusted figures, away from Valdebebas where his teammates continued preparing for key objectives.

There, he placed himself under the care of renowned French specialist Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet. He then began a race against time alongside Sébastien Devillaz, a close associate of fitness coach Antonio Pintus, and his trusted physiotherapist Willy Zurdo. During that period, Mbappé was seen in central Paris with his mother, Fayza, shopping at luxury jeweler Messika. Images also surfaced of him with actress Ester Expósito, now his partner. Those sightings reignited debate over the timing and appropriateness of his trip.

Mbbapé’s Cagliari getaway

The most recent episode – a trip to Cagliari during his latest muscle injury – has caused a significant stir among fans. The reaction has even reached the offices at Valdebebas, where there is reported confusion over the events of recent days. According to AS, there is unease within the club and among teammates, who view the situation as a double standard.

Mbappé reportedly set foot in Spain just 12 minutes before kickoff in the game against Espanyol. That detail ignited the debate surrounding the French star. This Wednesday, he will undergo medical tests to determine whether he can push to be fit for El Clásico or whether caution is wiser with the World Cup approaching. After that match, three more remain – two of them at the Bernabéu against Oviedo and Athletic. Those games will offer Mbappé another chance to reconnect with a demanding crowd still waiting to be convinced.

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.