Kylian Mbappe faced criticism for spending time in Paris partying with his close friend Hakimi while Real Madrid were playing Getafe and losing, leaving them 4 points behind Barcelona.
In round 26 of La Liga, while Barca thrashed Villarreal 4-1, Real Madrid lost 0-1 to Getafe at the Bernabeu. This was Arbeloa’s team’s second consecutive defeat, leaving them 4 points behind their rivals and at a disadvantage in the title race.
That was a match where Real Madrid were without their star player Mbappe , due to knee inflammation, along with other players such as Jude Bellingham, Militao, etc.
However, Mbappe was once again the center of controversy after the match. The reason was that he was spotted in his hometown of Paris (France) partying and drinking with his former teammate (at PSG) – close friend Achraf Hakimi – at the time Real Madrid played Getafe and lost at the Bernabeu.
At a sensitive stage for Real Madrid, with the La Liga title race incredibly tight, Mbappe’s absence from his teammates has sparked much discussion.
Journalist Manu Carreno made these criticisms on the ‘El Larguero’ program: ” When you are injured, it is normal that you should be present at the match to support the team.”
“If you’re not there but you’re out drinking in Paris with Hakimi while Real Madrid are playing… then that’s a matter of commitment and your image .”
According to Manu Carreno, Mbappe’s return to his homeland might be approved by the club, but a player expected to lead the team’s project should maintain his image and create a positive impact.
” For someone who intends to become a leader of a sports project, going to parties is probably not a good image… ”
Mbappe missed Real Madrid’s last two matches – the second leg of the play-off against Benfica (a 2-1 win) and the defeat to Getafe last weekend. The striker is expected to miss the next match as well – away to Celta Vigo (3 AM on March 7th).
Real Madrid are hoping Mbappe will recover in time for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie against Manchester City at the Bernabeu at 3 AM on March 12th.
Reports indicate that Mbappe is being extremely cautious with his knee – which has been unwell for some time but he’s enduring it to play, given the important tournament this summer: the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Spanish media reports indicate further instability in the Bernabeu dressing room following Real Madrid’s 0-1 Getafe defeat, with factions emerging and coach Arbeloa lacking the trust of the star players.