Kylian Mbappe causes a SCANDAL at Real Madrid

Robin Bairner

18 Dec 2025 14:26 GMT
3 min read

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Kylian Mbappe might have scored twice for Real Madrid as they defeated Talavera in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, but he and head coach Xabi Alonso have not escaped the headlines.

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Los Blancos’ progress was anything but convincing as they struggled to defeat a side 19th in the Spanish third division 3-2.

But it was Alonso’s willingness to play Mbappe for the duration of the fixture that has really caught the eye of the media.

Current ETV

Kylian Mbappé

F (C)

Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé

F (C)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€88.9M - €108.6M

After a difficult start to life at the Bernabeu, the France international is now fully installed as Real Madrid’s superstar – a fact underlined by the 28 goals in 23 appearances he has made this season.

With 58 goals in 2025, Mbappe has the opportunity to break Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal record in a calendar year for the historic club when they host Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday in what is the club’s final December clash.

Alonso ‘irresponsible’ with Mbappe decision

Alonso’s decision to field the forward, who is recovering from injury, for 90 minutes against the minnows has received criticism from the media.

“What Xabi did with Mbappe is irresponsible. It's incredibly irresponsible to play a player again, who understandably pushed himself to play despite only being at 60 or 70% fitness at Alaves, three days later in the Copa del Rey,” AS expert Ruben Martin complained.

“It's incredibly irresponsible of the coach, and I don't care if people say he's risking his job, because if Xabi Alonso thinks he can't beat Talavera with Endrick, Gonzalo, and Mastantuono…”

Marca also weighed in on the debate.

It said: “Mbappe couldn't play a single minute against Manchester City due to physical problems. Seven days later, he plays 90 minutes against Talavera. Incomprehensible from start to finish.

“The reason for such madness seemed to be the Frenchman's objective of equalling Cristiano Ronaldo's record for goals scored in a calendar year, but the worst part for Madrid was that he ultimately proved decisive. Yes, even against Talavera, he can't rest.”

What did Xabi Alonso say?

Alonso used Mbappe’s goals as his defence for fielding the striker.

“He was decisive with his two goals. Kylian has always had a knack for scoring goals. The third goal was crucial, and that’s why we kept him on the pitch,” the coach said.

“The numbers speak for themselves. We need other players to be just as effective.”

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