Kylian Mbappé has publicly claimed that Real Madrid head coach Álvaro Arbeloa told him he is the club's fourth-choice striker, sparking outrage among fans and raising questions about the team's internal harmony. The 27-year-old French superstar, who joined Los Blancos in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, made the revelation after coming off the bench in a 2-0 La Liga victory over Real Oviedo on Thursday night.
Speaking to journalists in the mixed zone, Mbappé expressed his frustration at being benched for the match. "I was not in the starting lineup because the coach said that in his eyes I am only the fourth striker, behind Mastantuono, Vini, and Gonzalo. I accept that," Mbappé said. The comment was immediately met with shock, as it suggested a drastic downgrade for a player widely considered one of the best in the world. Mbappé came on in the 68th minute to a chorus of boos from the Santiago Bernabéu crowd, and eleven minutes later he provided an assist for Jude Bellingham's second goal, but the applause did little to mask the tension.
The situation has been further complicated by reports that during his recent injury layoff—which kept him out for three weeks with a minor muscle strain—Mbappé traveled to Italy with Spanish actress Ester Expósito. Spanish media outlets have criticized the trip, suggesting that Mbappé was not taking his recovery seriously and was instead thinking ahead to the upcoming World Cup. The fans' reaction in the stadium seemed to stem from this perceived lack of commitment, as well as his underwhelming form since joining Real.
"I was 100 percent fit," Mbappé insisted. "I was ready to start; it was his [Arbeloa's] decision. You cannot be angry with the coach; you must always accept the coach's decision. I will continue to work hard and wait for my chance to be a starter again." But his words did little to soothe the growing rift. When asked about Mbappé's claims, Arbeloa appeared genuinely surprised. "I do not have four strikers, and I did not say anything like that to Mbappé. He probably misunderstood me. I really do not know what to tell you," the coach said, denying any such ranking.
The tension at Real Madrid is not limited to the Mbappé-Arbeloa dispute. The club is still reeling from a much-publicized physical altercation between midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni just days earlier. According to reports, the two players clashed in the dressing room after a heated argument about tactics, leading to Valverde sustaining cuts to his head. The club imposed fines of €500,000 on each player—a rare public sanction that highlighted the fragility of the squad's morale. Sources close to the team suggest that the dispute arose from underlying frustrations about playing time and tactical roles, issues that also seem to plague Mbappé.
Mbappé's career trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since bursting onto the scene at AS Monaco in 2015, he has won multiple Ligue 1 titles, a World Cup with France in 2018, and a Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup. His move to Real Madrid was long anticipated, but his first season has been rocky. After scoring 44 goals for PSG last season, he has managed only 12 in 26 appearances for Madrid, a return that has drawn criticism from the demanding Spanish press. Injuries and adaptation to a new league have been cited, but his relationship with Arbeloa now appears strained.
Historically, Real Madrid has been a club where superstars either thrive or crumble under the weight of expectation. The treatment of Mbappé—perhaps the most high-profile signing since Cristiano Ronaldo—mirrors the club's recent difficulties in integrating new talents. The club's president, Florentino Pérez, has publicly backed both Arbeloa and Mbappé, but the coming weeks will be crucial. With key matches in the Champions League and La Liga approaching, Madrid cannot afford a divided dressing room.
Fans have taken to social media to express their opinions, with some calling for Mbappé to be benched until he shows more commitment, while others blame Arbeloa's man-management for the crisis. The player's representatives have remained silent, but it is understood that Mbappé is unhappy with his role. Despite his denials, many believe Arbeloa's comment—even if not intended as a ranking—reflects the reality that Vini Jr., Rodrygo, and even young Gonzalo have often been preferred in recent weeks.
The tactical system employed by Arbeloa, who succeeded Carlo Ancelotti last summer, relies heavily on wide forwards and a fluid front three. Mbappé's natural position as a left-sided forward clashes with the emergence of Brazilian star Vini Jr., who has been in scintillating form. Meanwhile, Mastantuono—a 19-year-old Argentine prodigy—has impressed since his promotion from Castilla, and Gonzalo has shown versatility as a false nine. This competition for places is healthy in theory, but Mbappé's ego may not accept a supporting role.
The financial stakes are immense: Real Madrid invested heavily in Mbappé's signing bonus and salary, and his market value remains astronomical. However, should the situation deteriorate, a departure could be on the cards, with clubs like Al Hilal and Liverpool reportedly monitoring the situation. For now, both parties seem intent on resolving the matter internally, but the public airing of grievances suggests deeper issues that cannot be easily fixed.
As the La Liga season enters its decisive phase, Real Madrid sit second in the table, three points behind Barcelona. Mbappé's contributions will be vital if the team is to challenge for domestic and European honors. The next match—a derby against Atlético Madrid—will be a test of unity. Whether Mbappé starts or not, his attitude will be under the microscope. The player who once scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final now faces his most difficult challenge: winning over the Bernabéu faithful and proving he is still a superstar, not a fourth-choice option.
Source: Tagesspiegel News