According to Spanish newspaper Marca, there is a growing perception at the Valdebebas training center that Mbappe is isolating himself from the team. This sentiment intensified after Mbappe's vacation with his girlfriend, actress Ester Exposito, in Cagliari, Italy. The 27-year-old forward is recovering from a left thigh muscle injury and is racing to be fit for the El Clasico match against Barca this weekend.

According to El Mundo, many in the Real Madrid dressing room considered the trip unnecessary, especially as the club maintained that Mbappe was making maximum efforts to return to play. Images of the French star on a yacht off Sardinia spread quickly, arriving at a time when Real faces the risk of ending a second consecutive season without a trophy.

Mbappe with his girlfriend on a yacht in Cagliari, Italy. Photo: Speedline

The incident sparked such a strong reaction that Real officials' phones rang constantly as Mbappe returned to Madrid on a private jet, just minutes before the team's La Liga match against Espanyol. Many within the club felt these images were out of sync with the tense atmosphere the team was experiencing.

What bothers Real's internal circles is the feeling that Mbappe is increasingly detaching himself from the team. Many players were still understanding when he went to Paris in March for a second medical opinion on his knee injury. But this time, it is different.

At Valdebebas, discussions about the French forward's attitude are increasing. After sustaining an injury in the match against Betis, Mbappe left the field looking angry, gave a rather cold greeting to coach Alvaro Arbeloa, and was unwilling to explain his condition. That moment highlighted the growing distance between Mbappe and the Real Madrid squad.

Mbappe during a training session with Real at the Valdebebas headquarters, Madrid, Spain. Photo: EFE

AS newspaper also commented that this represents Mbappe's "downside", contrasting with his image as a goal-scoring machine on the field. Despite scoring 85 goals in his first 100 matches for Real, the French international has not truly connected with the Bernabeu fans. Even a single misplay or controversial action can draw jeers from the stands.

Three incidents have damaged Mbappe's image in the eyes of Real Madrid fans: the trip to Stockholm in 2024 while injured, his time in Paris earlier this year for knee recovery, and the most recent vacation in Italy.

During the Paris trip, Mbappe was dissatisfied with the Real Madrid medical team's diagnosis and sought a private doctor in France. However, being spotted shopping with his mother and appearing with his girlfriend while his teammates were training reignited controversy.

Injuries are the biggest reason Mbappe has gradually become isolated. Since 12/2025, he has missed a total of 53 days due to five different injuries, missing 10 matches. The French forward has often returned too early, leading to relapses. Mbappe remains Real Madrid's top scorer this season with 41 goals, but he is also the player most questioned about his level of integration.

Mbappe dining with his girlfriend Ester Exposito in Cagliari, Italy in early 5. Photo: El Correo

While Mbappe struggles with injuries and off-field controversies, Vinicius Junior's standing at Real Madrid is growing. "The dressing room is entirely behind Vinicius", Marca commented. "The Brazilian player is almost universally loved by his teammates."

After the win against Espanyol, Jude Bellingham posted a photo with Vinicius, accompanied by the message "fight to the last breath". In contrast, Mbappe made no social media posts congratulating his teammates, something that was common previously.

Real Madrid's current situation is also seen as a psychological tragedy involving two superstars expected to lead the team to European dominance: Mbappe and Vinicius. According to journalist Santiago Segurola, the biggest problem is that the two stars have not been able to help Real win major titles for two seasons. "Fans are starting to wonder if they can truly complement each other", Segurola wrote.

However, not everyone agrees with the wave of criticism against Mbappe. French journalist Frederic Hermel believes that public opinion in Madrid is overreacting to the player. "If this continues, people will soon blame Mbappe for the death of legendary bullfighter Manolete", Hermel wrote sarcastically. "He is being made a scapegoat for Real's failed season."

He also believes Mbappe is merely exercising the rights of an injured player. The 27-year-old forward is resting as prescribed by doctors and taking advantage of private time with his girlfriend. Coach Arbeloa also gave a similar response when asked about Mbappe's trip.

Hoang An (according to Marca, AS, El Mundo)