Mbappe faces fan backlash after Sardinia trip during injury layoff

MADRID: Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has come under criticism from a section of the club’s supporters after travelling to Sardinia while recovering from a hamstring injury, with the reaction intensifying ahead of Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona.

Real Madrid had granted rest days to injured players including Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois and Arda Guler. Even so, Mbappe’s trip to Italy drew a hostile response from some fans, who circulated an image of the France captain with a Fuera stamp over his face. The image was first posted by a satirical account and was later reposted in the comments section of Real Madrid’s official social media posts.

An online petition has also been shared on social networks, calling on Madrid supporters to act. It says, "If you believe change is necessary, do not remain silent: sign this petition and defend what you believe is best for the future of the club."

The criticism grew further after photos of Mbappe with actress Ester Exposito were widely shared on social media while Real Madrid were preparing for a key La Liga game against Espanyol last weekend. Madrid went on to win that match 2–0 as they tried to postpone Barcelona’s title celebrations.

After the victory, coach Alvaro Arbeloa defended the players’ right to use their free time as they wished, saying

each player does what they consider appropriate in their free time

and that it was

none of my business

. However, some of his later remarks were interpreted as indirect criticism of Mbappe.

Comments and reaction

Arbeloa said, "We didn't build Real Madrid with players who play in tuxedos, but with players who finish matches with shirts full of sweat and mud, through effort and sacrifice."

He also said Madrid is

a club where, fortunately, no player has ever been, is, or ever will be bigger than Real Madrid

.

Mbappe’s entourage, contacted by AFP, said "part of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements linked to a recovery period that is strictly supervised by the club" and added that it bears no relation to

the reality of the commitment and daily work Kylian puts in for the team

.

Earlier this season, Mbappe spoke about dealing with scrutiny on The Bridge, a podcast hosted by his Real Madrid and France teammate Aurelien Tchouameni. He said: "I've reached a point where you're going to get criticised whatever you do, so you might as well do what you want - at least then you stay true to yourself".

Reports of dressing-room strain

According to Spanish media, Mbappe has become increasingly isolated in the dressing room as frustration grows over a second season at Real Madrid without a major trophy, despite having emerged as a leader earlier in the campaign.

Some fans and pundits have also pointed to comments made by Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham after Sunday’s win as possible signs of tension involving the France captain. Vinicius told Real Madrid TV: "We fought and we played together. When we play like that, we are better and stronger".

Bellingham, meanwhile, urged his teammates on Instagram to remain

together

and fully committed

until the very last whistle

of the season.