Kylian Mbappe is facing increased scrutiny from Spanish media and a section of Real Madrid supporters despite maintaining he is happy at the club, as Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to become the new manager. According to TEAMtalk, Mourinho has an ‘agreement’ in place with Real Madrid for a three-year contract, and will take charge after completing his tenure at Benfica.
The France international joined Los Blancos as a free agent in 2024 from Paris Saint-Germain, but Madrid have failed to win a major trophy in either of the seasons since his arrival. Recent off-field incidents, including a trip to Italy during injury recovery and an Instagram story during El Clasico, have drawn criticism from fans, with some questioning his commitment.
Reports have surfaced of a disagreement between Mbappe and a Madrid coach last month, further fueling discontent. An online petition calling for his departure has reportedly gathered over 73 million signatures, though the authenticity of all signatures is questionable. Despite the criticism, Mbappe publicly reaffirmed his enjoyment of life in Madrid and his appreciation for the club, telling Vanity Fair he was surprised and impressed by the city’s culture and welcoming atmosphere.
However, Spanish journalist Juanma Rodríguez labelled Mbappe a “flop” on El Primer Palo, as relayed by Defensa Central, despite the player’s impressive goalscoring record of 85 goals and 11 assists in 100 appearances for the club. Currently, Mbappe leads La Liga in goals with 24, two ahead of Vedat Muriqi. Fabrizio Romano, however, refuted claims of a fractured relationship, stating that while the situation is “complicated”, there are no current plans for Madrid to consider selling Mbappe this summer.
Mourinho’s impending arrival may signal a shift in the club’s dynamic, and it remains to be seen how he will address the situation with Mbappe. The Portuguese manager’s appointment comes as current manager Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to depart at the end of the season. Mourinho’s experience and tactical approach could potentially unlock Mbappe’s full potential and bring success back to the Santiago Bernabéu.
