Marca: Mbappé Growing Distant from His Real Madrid Teammates

According to Marca, Kylian Mbappé has been sidelined for a total of 53 days this season, missing 10 matches. Although he leads the team’s scoring charts with 41 goals, controversies surrounding his off-field activities and attitude have sparked discontent within the squad, gradually distancing him from his Real Madrid teammates and coaching staff. In contrast, Vinícius Júnior enjoys stronger support in the dressing room.


The report notes that Real Madrid have been heavily drained in the final stretch of the season. With no remaining objectives other than finishing the campaign respectably, the season has felt unusually long, with each week dragging on. The internal atmosphere has also suffered, with frequent frictions between players, and several conflicts becoming public—such as disputes involving Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos with the coaching staff.

Mbappé has not remained untouched by the turmoil. His controversial trip to Cagliari during a recent injury layoff once again drew public scrutiny. While injured players are allowed time off and Mbappé was not the only one to travel, his status as a central figure in the team, combined with the club’s delicate situation, caused notable dissatisfaction internally. The ongoing controversies surrounding him have raised concerns within the club, as his public image has been increasingly damaged in recent months due to repeated criticism.

However, Mbappé’s core issue lies in his growing disconnect from the team. This is not solely due to injuries—though frequent setbacks have kept him away from training sessions and multiple matches this season. At Valdebebas, there has been private discussion among staff and players about his controversial conduct, which has not been well received in the dressing room.

Meanwhile, although Mbappé and Vinícius maintain a decent personal relationship—having even dined together with their partners recently—the balance has clearly shifted in favor of the Brazilian. In recent months, Vinícius has stepped up during the team’s struggles, earning widespread admiration and trust, with teammates fully backing him. In contrast, Mbappé no longer commands the same unity, as recent events have somewhat fractured his connection with the squad.

The coaching staff and personnel at the training ground have also noticed Mbappé’s growing isolation within the team. This was evident when he left the pitch injured against Real Betis: he appeared visibly frustrated, gave a cold greeting to Álvaro Arbeloa, and was unwilling to elaborate on his physical condition.

Injuries have been the starting point of this growing divide. So far this year, Mbappé has suffered five injuries, missing 53 days and 10 matches. These repeated setbacks have caused him to fall behind after a strong start to the season, although he still tops the scoring chart with 41 goals.

His knee injury has been the root of many issues. On December 8, during a match against Celta Vigo, a collision left him with knee discomfort. Three days later, he was on the bench against Manchester City in the Champions League but did not play. Although the injury was initially not considered serious, and he returned against Alavés, he never fully regained fitness.

After the Christmas break, Mbappé suffered a relapse during Real Madrid’s annual open training session at Valdebebas. An MRI revealed damage to the lateral ligament of his knee, requiring at least three weeks out.

Despite dissatisfaction, the French star wearing the No. 10 shirt returned after just 11 days to rejoin Xabi Alonso’s squad. He missed the January 4 La Liga match against Betis and the January 9 Spanish Super Cup semifinal derby. With a final against Barcelona approaching, he initially stayed in Madrid but ultimately traveled with the team to Saudi Arabia. He came on as a substitute in the final against Barcelona, playing just 14 minutes. Real Madrid lost the match, and his knee injury relapsed again—his third knee-related setback of the season.

He also missed the Copa del Rey match against Albacete, and after the team’s elimination, the congested schedule left him with little time to recover. He pushed through until his body once again gave out. Although included in the squad against Real Sociedad, he did not play, marking his fourth injury absence and raising further concerns about his fitness.

Mbappé then suffered yet another injury—his fifth in three months—which forced him to miss the second leg of the knockout tie against Benfica. He was granted permission to travel to Paris for about a week of recovery, a decision that sparked significant controversy.

Upon his return, things changed drastically. Mbappé struggled to regain his previous form, remaining mentally affected by his recurring knee problems. Meanwhile, Vinícius continued his excellent performances, drawing all the spotlight and earning strong backing from Arbeloa, who sees the Brazilian as a key ally within the squad.

To make matters worse, Mbappé was once again forced off due to injury, further fueling tensions. In fact, Arbeloa’s stance has, to some extent, contributed to the escalation of the situation, as the coaching staff are no longer actively shielding Mbappé. Ultimately, some of his decisions and behavior have failed to gain acceptance within the team.

When asked about Mbappé’s controversial trip after the win over Espanyol, Arbeloa stated: “All recovery arrangements for injured players are fully managed by Real Madrid’s medical team. They decide when players need to stay at Valdebebas and when they can make their own arrangements. Beyond that, players are free to do what they consider appropriate during their personal time, and I will not interfere.”