Anger among Real Madrid fans over Kylian Mbappé (28, Real Madrid) has exploded. Beyond simple criticism, an "Mbappé out" petition has even appeared, and the number of signatures has surpassed a staggering 33 million.
Qatari outlet Al Jazeera reported on the 8th (Korea time) that the online petition calling for Kylian Mbappé's expulsion from Real Madrid is receiving an enormous response.
The petition was opened under the title "Mbappé out (Mbappe Out)." It far exceeded the original goal of 200,000 and has gathered at least 33 million signatures.
The petition page features the phrase "If you truly care about the club's future, do not be silent — raise your voice," alongside a photo of Mbappé overlaid with a red OUT mark.
The core of the controversy is Mbappé's vacation. Local fans claim that Mbappé, who was given rest for a thigh injury, enjoyed a holiday yachting in Sardinia, Italy. Criticism intensified especially after photos of him with actress Ester Expósito (26) circulated.
Real currently faces Barcelona in El Clásico. It is unclear whether Mbappé has fully recovered since his injury last month. In this situation, the vacation controversy erupted and fans strongly reacted, saying "there is a lack of commitment."
As the controversy grew, Ester Expósito is reported to have restricted comments on her social media. However, some fans have gone back to earlier posts and left critical comments.
An interesting point is the petition method itself. The site allows signatures without email or identity verification. It has not been confirmed whether all 33 million signatories are Real fans or whether duplicate signatures are included.
Nevertheless, the sheer number itself is generating huge attention. Thirty-three million is close to half of France's entire population.
However, analyses say the actual possibility of expulsion is almost nil. Mbappé is under contract with Real through 2029, and the club also does not appear to be greatly shaken by this controversy.
Coach Álvaro Arbeloa drew a line in a recent press conference, saying, "The injured player management plan is made together with the medical staff. What players do in their free time is the player's personal choice."
Real has also not issued an official statement that Mbappé's vacation caused problems in the rehabilitation process.
Meanwhile, Mbappé recently released a photo from training showing his return to team practice. Locally, his availability for El Clásico remains under observation.
There appears to be no major problem with prospects for joining the France national team. Mbappé is expected to participate normally in the upcoming 2026 North and Central America World Cup and in friendlies against Côte d'Ivoire and Northern Ireland.
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