Real Madrid CF have been plunged into fresh controversy after the absence of Kylian Mbappé from Sunday’s El Clasico defeat against FC Barcelona sparked speculation over the reasons behind his withdrawal from the squad.
Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory over their fierce rivals at Camp Nou in the 35th round of the Spanish League, a result that officially confirmed the Catalan side as La Liga champions for the season.
The defeat completed a disappointing campaign for Real Madrid under coach Alvaro Arbeloa, with the club ending the season without silverware after an early exit from the Spanish King’s Cup and elimination from the Champions League quarter-finals.
However, much of the attention following the match centred on Mbappé, whose absence became a major talking point after reports suggested the French star had initially been included in the squad before being withdrawn shortly before the game.
According to reports, Mbappé had taken part in part of Real Madrid’s preparations for the Clasico and was originally named among the travelling squad heading to Camp Nou. His subsequent omission led to widespread debate among supporters and Spanish media.
Claims of Refusal to Play
Spanish journalist Alberto Pereiro intensified the controversy by alleging that the striker deliberately avoided participating in the match after learning he would not start.
Writing on the social media platform X, Pereiro claimed that Mbappé refused to feature in the Clasico because he had been informed he would begin the game on the bench following his recent injury absence.
The journalist alleged that the forward then informed club officials that his injury problem had returned before leaving training, a decision that reportedly surprised members of Real Madrid’s hierarchy.
The claims have not been officially confirmed by the club or the player, but they quickly triggered strong reactions among supporters already frustrated by the team’s difficult season.
Social Media Post Draws Criticism
Mbappé also came under criticism from sections of the Real Madrid fanbase because of his activity on social media during the match.
While Madrid were trailing Barcelona 2-0 at half-time, the French forward posted a photograph on his Instagram account accompanied by the caption “Hala Madrid”.
The timing of the post angered some supporters, who viewed it as an unusual reaction during one of the club’s most significant defeats of the campaign.
The controversy has added further pressure around Real Madrid following a season that has fallen far below expectations.
Barcelona’s victory not only secured the league title but also underlined the growing difficulties faced by their historic rivals, who have struggled domestically and in Europe throughout the campaign.
Attention is now likely to remain focused on Mbappé and his relationship with the club, particularly after reports suggesting tensions surrounding his role in the Clasico encounter.
For Real Madrid, the defeat marked the end of a frustrating season. For Mbappé, it has opened a fresh debate that could continue long after the final whistle at Camp Nou.
