Questions are growing over the future relationship between Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid CF after reports claimed the French striker no longer wishes to play for the club again this season.
The 27-year-old has not featured for Real Madrid since suffering a muscle injury during the 1-1 draw against Real Betis on 24 April in the Spanish league.
At the time, the club confirmed that Mbappe required rest and recovery, but his absence from recent matches has since become the subject of growing controversy inside and outside the dressing room.
According to reports, tensions have intensified between the player, club officials, supporters and some teammates during a difficult period for Real Madrid, who have struggled with performances and results in recent weeks.
Clasico Absence Sparked Further Criticism
Mbappe reportedly angered sections of the club’s fanbase after making several tourist trips outside Spain while the team endured a challenging run.
Although he returned to group training sessions this week at Valdebebas, the forward is said to have requested to be excused from participating in El Clasico, claiming he did not feel comfortable.
That decision reportedly caused frustration within the squad and coaching staff.
The situation became more complicated after coach Álvaro Arbeloa allegedly informed Mbappe during training that he would not start the match and would instead be named among the substitutes.
On the day of the game, Mbappe did not travel to Camp Nou to support the team, unlike injured Lamine Yamal, who attended with FC Barcelona.
Instead, the France international remained at home and later shared an image on Instagram showing himself watching the match on television.
The post reportedly received negative reactions from supporters and some teammates, increasing perceptions that the player had become detached from the team’s situation.
Reports of Internal Disputes Emerge
Further reports have suggested the atmosphere within Real Madrid has deteriorated in recent weeks.
Two weeks ago, an altercation allegedly took place between Mbappe and a member of the club’s coaching staff. The incident is believed to have contributed to broader tensions within the dressing room.
Those tensions reportedly later extended to a disagreement between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Amid those developments, a source inside Real Madrid reportedly told The Athletic that Mbappe would prefer not to play again this season in matches held at the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to the report, the striker wants to avoid appearing in front of supporters who booed and criticised him several weeks ago.
World Cup Preparation Said to Influence Decision
Another major factor behind Mbappe’s reported stance is his desire to focus on the 2026 FIFA World Cup with France national football team.
The forward is said to want to arrive at the tournament in peak physical condition and has therefore requested to be excused from remaining Real Madrid fixtures.
Despite the growing criticism and tense atmosphere surrounding him, Mbappe’s individual performances this season have remained impressive.
The French striker has scored 41 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid during the 2025-26 campaign.
His tally includes 24 goals in 28 Spanish league matches and 15 goals in 11 UEFA Champions League appearances, underlining his continued importance on the pitch despite the mounting controversy surrounding his situation.
