Kylian Mbappe’s conduct, public communication and role at Real Madrid are facing increasing scrutiny in France, with journalist Daniel Riolo suggesting the forward could leave the club at the end of the season.
MARCA reported on 8 October that L’Equipe and RMC Sport journalist Riolo had raised concerns about Mbappe’s current situation. The reports do not confirm that Mbappe wants to leave, or that Real Madrid are considering selling him.
Mbappe has scored 94 goals in 111 appearances for Los Blancos, but has yet to win a trophy with the club. The absence of silverware has added to the debate surrounding his start at the Bernabeu, particularly after the high expectations attached to his move.
Criticism over conduct and communication
According to MARCA’s account of the French coverage, L’Equipe considers Mbappe’s attitude to be excessively individualistic and has expressed concern about the way he communicates publicly.
His return to training a day earlier than expected did not end the criticism. MARCA said some Real Madrid supporters and Spanish media viewed his visit to Paris nightlife and a later bicycle ride in Switzerland as unprofessional while he was recovering from a knee injury.
Those assessments have been presented as commentary from the French newspaper and sections of the media, rather than as an established description of Real Madrid’s internal position.
Mbappe has also spoken about his ambitions with the Spanish club, including his desire to compete for major honours. The contrast between those aims and his lack of a title at Real Madrid has become part of the wider discussion about his progress at the club.
Speaking on RMC Sport’s After Foot, Riolo said a departure at the end of the season should not be dismissed. He argued that Mbappe’s public messaging was providing additional material for his critics.
Riolo’s comments remain an interpretation of the situation, not evidence that Mbappe has requested a transfer or that Real Madrid have made a decision about his future. The forward’s private intentions and state of mind have not been established by the available reporting.
For now, the immediate focus is on Mbappe’s return to training following his knee problem. His Champions League ambitions at Real Madrid remain the backdrop to the reports questioning his position.
PSG interest in Cherki separate from Mbappe claims
Transfermarkt reported on 7 October that Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Manchester City attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki. The report described Cherki as a standout performer since joining City from Lyon and suggested PSG could consider pursuing him if the club faces punishments.
No sanctions have been confirmed, however, and there is no indication that Paris Saint-Germain have made a bid. Transfermarkt values Cherki at €110 million, although that is an estimated market value rather than an asking price or agreed transfer fee.
There is also no confirmation that Cherki wants to return to Ligue 1. Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with other attacking players, but the Cherki story remains a possibility rather than an advanced deal.
The winter transfer window is scheduled to reopen on 1 January 2027.
