Kylian Mbappé's life at Real Madrid is being shaken in an unexpected direction.
British outlet Daily Mail reported on the 6th (KST) that "Mbappé is at the center of Real Madrid's collapse." The outlet reported, "While Real Madrid teammates are preparing for their archrival FC Barcelona and El Clásico, clinging to a final hope of overtaking them in the league, injured Mbappé went on a luxury yacht holiday with a new girlfriend. This action became the trigger for internal discord within the team."
Local reports indicate that Mbappé is reportedly dating Spanish actress Ester Expósito. The two are believed to have been seeing each other since earlier this year. After being photographed together at Paris Fashion Week in March, they were recently shown spending a holiday on a luxury yacht in Sardinia, Italy.
The problem is the timing. Real Madrid is currently in a situation where it cannot afford to fall behind in the title race. At a time when the entire squad should be raising tension ahead of the Barcelona match, the team's key striker Mbappé has become the center of a holiday controversy. Spanish outlet AS reported that "even Real Madrid teammates do not understand Mbappé's trip to Italy. As a result, Mbappé became more isolated in the locker room," conveying the mood.
Fans' reactions have cooled as well. On social media, the hashtag Fuera, meaning "get out," is spreading rapidly. Posts calling for Mbappé's dismissal continue. According to foreign outlets such as The Sun, many fans have already joined online petitions urging Mbappé's sale. Some fans expressed anger, saying, "Madridiistas, do not stay silent; raise your voices for the club's future."
The attitude controversy is also fanning the flames. The Athletic reported that Mbappé recently protested harshly to the coaching staff of coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who served as assistant referee during training, over an offside decision, and in the process used insulting language. French outlet L'Équipe also pointed out that "Mbappé repeatedly exhibits individualistic behavior, such as arriving late for team meals. He socializes only with French players and forms a faction within the team."
The mood among the club leadership is also tense. Football365 reported that president Florentino Pérez is highly dissatisfied with the recent situation and could consider selling Mbappé if a huge offer arrives. Analysts say it is not possible to rule out the possibility that Real Madrid could make an extreme decision to restore the club's authority and locker-room order.
Mbappé's camp said there is no problem with the player's professionalism. However, that appears insufficient to win back already turned public opinion. Coach Arbeloa also said, "We want leaders who soak their uniforms with sweat and mud, not players in tuxedos." It can be interpreted as a comment effectively aimed at Mbappé.
When Mbappé moved to Real Madrid, he was expected to be a superstar who would open a new era. But now he is at the center of controversy rather than at the center of the team. His talent on the pitch is clear, but what Real Madrid wants is not a player with talent alone. They want a leader who endures with the team in moments of crisis. What Mbappé needs most now is to prove exactly that.
[OSEN]