Where is Mbappé? Real Madrid’s title hopes wobble with star’s dip in form

Kylian Mbappé did not score and Real Madrid lost. That, in broad strokes, sums up Saturday afternoon at El Sadar against Osasuna. There are nuances, of course, but none weighs more heavily on Madrid supporters than this: in a season when his level had bordered on flawless, the French forward is now showing the first cracks – and, more worryingly, signs of physical fragility that could prove costly with the decisive stretch of the campaign looming. For now, Madrid have taken a step back in the LaLiga title race, and on Wednesday their Champions League future will be on the line.

Who makes Mbappé playing decisions?

Starting with the obvious: Mbappé is not himself right now. He has been carrying a left knee problem since December 2025 and has not had sufficient rest to fully recover. The team’s uneven form has not helped matters. Álvaro Arbeloa has previously acknowledged the issue: “We know he’s coming in with that knee not 100%. Anyone else in that situation might have stepped back, and Kylian has shown me he’s a true leader. Let’s hope that knee holds up because we’re going to need him – he makes the difference in every game.”

He did not feature at home against Real Sociedad in the previous round, an effort to ease the physical strain. Even so, after the setback in Pamplona, Arbeloa was pressed on whether a longer break might be necessary – a clean slate of sorts. “When we believe he’s not fit to play, we won’t take risks. It’s not something I decide on my own. I discuss it with the doctors and with him. And when he feels ready to play, he plays.”

Arbeloa has effectively placed his trust in Mbappé, who knows he is compiling historic numbers – 38 goals so far – and is unwilling to ease off with major trophies on the line at Madrid and a World Cup ahead with France. Yet for that to happen, he must raise his level significantly from what was seen at Da Luz and again in Pamplona.

The Lisbon clash, without being disastrous, was already unsettling. He was involved just 51 times – the fewest of any Madrid starter – took five shots, only two on target, and attempted six dribbles without completing a single one. Simply an off day at the office, perhaps, following on from that benching against Real Sociedad.

Madrid’s dependence on Mbappé

Madrid emerged victorious against Benfica despite the Frenchman failing to score, but there was no such fortune against Osasuna. Mbappé did not find the net and his numbers dipped further: 46 touches, just two shots – one on target – and a lone dribble attempt that came to nothing. He did have a well-taken finish ruled out for offside.

The result is three consecutive Madrid games without a goal contribution from Mbappé, a scenario that has already played out once this season – and the team felt it. Against Liverpool, Rayo Vallecano and Elche, still under Xabi Alonso, Madrid recorded one defeat and two draws, complicating their Champions League path and surrendering the cushion they had built in LaLiga. The link between the Bondy-born forward’s physical sharpness and Madrid’s overall performance is unmistakable, which leaves Arbeloa with a single overriding task: restore Mbappé to his best. The dilemma is clear – should that happen while he continues to play, or must Madrid find a way to survive without him until he is fully himself again? A Hamlet-like debate, and yet another challenge for the embattled manager.

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