Kylian Mbappé faces Real Madrid friction over nightclub visit and cycling
Kylian Mbappe is facing mounting friction at Real Madrid after spending a two-week injury recovery period visiting a Paris nightclub and riding a bicycle in Switzerland, developments that have sparked sharp criticism across Spanish media and inside the club. The 27-year-old footballer’s choices outside the pitch caused professional discussions inside the Spanish powerhouse, and the player is very angry and disappointed with Real Madrid.
Disciplinary Backlash Follows International Duty
The 27-year-old forward sustained a knee injury while scoring France’s lone goal in a 1-0 victory over Turkey during UEFA Nations League play, an absence that sidelined him for roughly two weeks. NTVSpor reported that Mbappe’s subsequent off-field choices during his rehabilitation triggered widespread discontent within Real Madrid. According to L’Equipe, the French star traveled to a Paris nightclub rather than maintaining strict rest during his recovery window. Spanish outlet El Chiringuito added that during a brief stop at the Valdebebas training ground, Mbappe spent no more than an hour and a half before boarding another flight back to Paris. The Spanish press revealed that the French star took advantage of the recovery process of Real Madrid’s number 10 to take a short trip to Paris with his girlfriend Ester Exposito.
Further compounding the tension, Mbappe posted social media footage of himself cycling in Switzerland despite his knee ailment. Yeni Şafak noted that the imagery and subsequent travels were widely viewed by Spanish media and Madridistas as unprofessional. Haber Global highlighted that the bicycle video was interpreted by observers as a direct counter to recent comments from manager José Mourinho, whose published documentary featured a firm stance on player discipline: Unfortunately a football player cannot ride a bicycle. Even if he does it secretly from the club. I don’t care about his contract; I look at how seriously the player takes his job.
The bicycle video shared on social media was also interpreted as a gesture directed at José Mourinho.
Return to Training and Upcoming Fixtures
Despite the off-pitch noise, physical recovery has progressed toward an on-field return. Marca confirmed that the forward is on track to feature against Villarreal this Saturday, following an up-and-down international break featuring a goal for France, subsequent injury fears, and a short holiday that caused debate among Madridista fans.
Concurrently, exterior reports have introduced speculative narratives regarding the player’s long-term future in Spain. Vietnam.vn cited comments from journalist François Gallardo claiming friction between the forward and club management, alongside reported preliminary interest from Premier League sides including Liverpool. Those transfer speculations contrast sharply with his immediate sporting commitments under Mourinho as Real Madrid prepares for a critical stretch of domestic and European fixtures, having joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 with the ambition of conquering the Champions League and winning the Ballon d’Or.
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