Thomas Roncero has launched a strong public criticism of Kylian Mbappe following the circulation of a video showing the Real Madrid CF forward laughing after reports of a dressing-room altercation involving teammates Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni.
The comments were made during the Spanish television programme El Chiringuito de Jugones, where Roncero, who also serves as deputy editor of AS newspaper, expressed anger over what he described as unacceptable behaviour during a difficult season for the club.
Mbappe reportedly appeared in a video laughing while driving his car shortly after the dressing-room incident involving Valverde and Tchouameni. The footage quickly became a major talking point among supporters and Spanish media.
Reacting on air, Roncero criticised the French international and questioned the image being projected by the squad during a disappointing campaign.
“This is Madrid!! It’s been a shameful season… What do you say, guys? A little respect for the badge you wear? This isn’t a kindergarten. In the end, we’re sugarcoating it, and that’s very dangerous,” he said.
The analyst continued his criticism by questioning Mbappe’s reaction at a time when the club was facing growing scrutiny.
“Madrid’s image is at rock bottom. Who’s going to laugh? Who’s going to roll down the car window and laugh? And at the top of their lungs? What are you laughing at? The trip? The yacht? That you don’t care that Madrid didn’t win anything? That’s what you’re laughing at, man? We brought you here to make us happy, not to score 80 goals, but to make ourselves great. This is Madrid… your dream team. What are you laughing at?”
Roncero also called on the player to publicly apologise for the incident.
“I demand that Mbappe come out in a statement tomorrow and ask for an admission of error and an apology for that laugh. In these circumstances? What are you laughing at, man? What are you laughing at? Really. There is a moment when people reach their limit. At least I will not be a partner in whitewashing anything… This is unacceptable and shameful for the history of Real Madrid.”
The remarks reflected wider frustration surrounding the atmosphere at the club, with Roncero insisting that Real Madrid must respond firmly to preserve the standards historically associated with the team.
“When things like this happen in the history of Real Madrid, we must be firm. And I hope the club reacts strongly, to show that it is the Madrid we have known all our lives. This must not happen again,” he added.
The journalist also appealed directly to club president Florentino Perez while criticising the overall situation at the club.
“Respect Madrid. And I hope Florentino’s hand doesn’t tremble. What’s wrong with Real Madrid, damn it? And the other one is laughing, what are you laughing at? Damn it. If you were in front of me, what would you be laughing at? And he goes down the window to gloat… What are you laughing at, man? We are now in a time when everyone is making fun of us, we have become a laughingstock.”
Roncero went even further by demanding major changes within the squad and coaching structure.
“We don’t have much left… We want a purge, a merciless purge. Merciless. 10 or 12 players must leave, 5 youth players must be promoted, we must sign 4 stars, and a coach whose hand doesn’t tremble.”
He concluded with another warning about the direction of the club.
“Madrid is above everyone. Whether you like it or not, kindergarten is over, recess is over. They are thinking about the World Cup. What are they thinking about?”
The controversy has intensified debate around Real Madrid’s season and the conduct of several high-profile figures at the club, with the video continuing to attract strong reactions among supporters and media commentators alike.
