Mbappe soap opera escalates after Real Madrid bust-up: 'It's bad!'

Updated: 5 May 2026 15:00 BST | 5 min read

Kylian Mbappe, Alvaro Arbeloa, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Editor

Tensions are rising at Real Madrid, and Kylian Mbappe is facing increasing scrutiny, both internally and externally.

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The France international has been Los Blancos' lifeline this season, scoring 41 goals in as many games. Yet the discourse surrounding Mbappe has become so intense, you would think that he has been the club's worst player, and by some distance.

Real Madrid, of course, are not a club like any other. The internal politics, the entitlement and arrogance - some of it justified given the historic levels of success - have made the Spanish giants a powder keg.

Current ETV

Kylian Mbappé

F (C)

Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé

F (C)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€97.1M - €161.8M

When Mbappe arrived on a free transfer in the summer of 2024, many foresaw this moment: it was clear that the 27-year-old and Real Madrid's other superstars, like Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, would struggle to fit together and see eye-to-eye.

Despite his goal-scoring exploits, there are growing calls for Mbappe to get out. Fan petitions have been launched, and any indication of discontent is being pounced upon on social media. When Bellingham recently posted a team photo - without Mbappe - the message was clear.

Where has it all gone wrong for Mbappe?

So, what actually is the problem with Mbappe at Real Madrid? It's a combination of factors. For one, the Frenchman has an ego the size of the Santiago Bernabeu, which also created issues at his previous club, PSG. Mbappe simply didn't work in a team with Neymar and Lionel Messi.

It's the same story at Real Madrid, but cranked up to 11. Adding him to a squad with the likes of Vini Jr and Bellingham is like pouring water on hot oil. They all want to be the main man and, in the case of Mbappe and Vini, they occupy the same part of the pitch and constantly step on each other's toes.

Moreover, Mbappe instantly became the club's best-paid player, which didn't go down well with Vini. He believes that he is the face of Real Madrid and that he should be paid accordingly. He is reportedly demanding a club-record salary.

Real Madrid's dressing room is full of big characters, but there is no one to manage them. After breaking Xabi Alonso, they got Alvaro Arbeloa, who, fairly or unfairly, seems like nothing more than a yes-man. The lack of authority has allowed the players to run amok.

Unsurprisingly, The Athletic now reports that the atmosphere at Real Madrid is one of "discord and despondency." There have been numerous flashpoints in recent weeks.

Antonio Rudiger clashed with a teammate, rumoured to have been Alvaro Carreras, though he later apologised and took the team out for lunch. Then, Mbappe was involved in a training ground bust-up with a member of the coaching staff. The forward "spoke angrily and in insulting terms."

Neither player faced disciplinary action, and it has contributed to an increasingly worsening mood behind the scenes. "It's bad," the outlet writes bluntly. There is a tangible lack of togetherness in the dressing room.

The soap opera surrounding Mbappe escalated at the weekend when the injured Frenchman was spotted on a yacht in Italy with his partner while Real Madrid were playing Espanyol. This did not go down well with the fans, nor with his teammates.

The squad is unhappy, not just with Mbappe but with the overall situation. However, the Frenchman is bearing the brunt of the ire because his conduct has only exacerbated the problem.

Sources close to the coaching staff describe him as having an attitude and professionalism problem, the outlet claims. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that Florentino Perez is in favour of bringing Jose Mourinho back.

He may no longer be an elite tactician, but that is not what Real Madrid need anyway. They need someone who can manage the divas in the club's dressing room.

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