Growing tensions surrounding Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid CF have renewed focus on comments made two years ago by Joan Laporta, who warned that the French forward’s arrival could create problems inside the club’s dressing room.
Mbappe has recently come under heavy scrutiny following reports of disagreements within the team and comments interpreted as criticism of coach Alvaro Arbeloa after the striker was left out of the starting line-up against Real Oviedo in La Liga.
The developments come during a difficult 2025-26 campaign for Real Madrid, who failed to secure any domestic, continental or international trophies. Despite Mbappe scoring 41 goals and providing seven assists in 42 matches, criticism has increasingly surrounded both his performances and his influence within the squad.
Reports close to the club suggest the French international no longer enjoys widespread support among teammates. Concerns have reportedly centred on his performances on the pitch, limited defensive contribution and decisions made during his injury recovery period, including a trip to Italy with his partner rather than focusing fully on his return to action.
Mbappe also fuelled further debate with remarks suggesting the team had lost its structure and identity during the second half of the season. According to his comments, Real Madrid had shown a clear playing philosophy earlier in the campaign before that direction disappeared later in the year.
Many observers interpreted the remarks as an indirect comparison between former coach Xabi Alonso and current manager Arbeloa, adding further pressure to an already tense atmosphere around the club.
What was once viewed as the final piece in Real Madrid’s long-term sporting project has now become a source of growing concern. Questions have emerged over Mbappe’s integration alongside other star players, the balance within the squad and the management of strong personalities inside the dressing room.
The current situation has also revived comments made by Laporta in May 2024, before Mbappe completed his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Madrid.
At the time, the Barcelona president dismissed suggestions that his club felt threatened by the possible transfer and instead hinted that Real Madrid could face internal complications.
“Are we jealous? Absolutely not, and I don’t know if they will sign him or not. But they have a problem. They have to sell a player, don’t they?” Laporta said, referring to Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior.
He added: “Both have an overwhelming presence, and with the financial figures being discussed, this will certainly affect the dressing room. It’s not free, of course.”
Those remarks were heavily criticised at the time, particularly by Real Madrid supporters, who viewed them as an attempt to undermine the club’s transfer ambitions.
However, two years later, Laporta’s comments are being revisited as tensions continue to grow around Mbappe and the club’s disappointing performances.
Real Madrid had lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy only weeks before Mbappe arrived in mid-2024, raising expectations that his signing would strengthen an already dominant side. Instead, the club has endured two seasons without winning a major title, leading to increasing debate over whether the move disrupted the balance that previously existed within the squad.
The ongoing scrutiny surrounding Mbappe now appears to extend beyond results on the field, touching on issues of leadership, dressing-room harmony and the long-term direction of the club.
