Mbappe faces backlash over Sardinia trip ahead of El Clasico

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is facing mounting criticism from sections of the club’s fanbase after travelling to Sardinia during his recovery from a hamstring injury, just days before Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona.

 

The French star, who was granted rest days alongside teammates Thibaut Courtois and Arda Guler, drew backlash after images from his Italian getaway surfaced online, with some supporters questioning his commitment at a crucial stage of the season.

 

Anger among fans has spilled onto social media, where a doctored image of Mbappe stamped with “Fuera” (out) has circulated widely. An online petition has also emerged, calling on supporters to demand changes at the club.

 

The situation intensified after photos of Mbappe with actress Ester Exposito went viral, coinciding with preparations for last weekend’s La Liga clash against Espanyol — a match Real Madrid won 2–0.

 

Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa downplayed the controversy, stating that players are free to use their time as they deem fit during recovery periods.

 

“Each player does what they consider appropriate in their free time,” he said, adding, however, that Real Madrid is built on “effort and sacrifice” and that no individual is bigger than the club.

 

Mbappe’s camp has pushed back against the criticism, describing it as an overreaction to a recovery period being managed under the club’s supervision.

 

Despite the off-field noise, the 27-year-old remains Madrid’s top scorer this season, with 41 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.

 

However, reports in Spanish media suggest growing tension within the squad, with some observers pointing to recent comments by teammates Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham about unity and collective effort as subtle indications of internal strain.