The New York Times reported that the error took place in December when Real's medical team performed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan on Mbappe's uninjured right knee. The scan revealed no abnormalities, which allowed the 27-year-old striker to play in three matches before the mistake was identified and corrected.
Despite exhibiting signs of inflammation in his left knee, the actual site of injury, Mbappe continued playing after the initial examination. Only after a subsequent scan on the correct leg did doctors discover he had a partial tear of the posterior knee ligament. However, Real's medical report, released on 31/12/2025, vaguely described the injury as a knee sprain.
The reason for the initial error remains unclear. Neither Real nor Mbappe's representatives have issued an official comment.
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Kylian Mbappe dribbles the ball during Real's 2-1 victory over Atletico in La Liga round 29, at the Bernabeu Stadium, Madrid, Spain, on the evening of 22/3. Photo: AP
Mbappe's knee issue surfaced after Real's 0-2 defeat to Celta Vigo on 7/12/2025. He missed the Champions League match against Man City three days later but then played all three final matches of 2025. This allowed him to equal Cristiano Ronaldo's club record of 59 goals in a calendar year.
Following the Christmas break, Mbappe resumed training on 30/12/2025, reportedly experiencing pain in his left knee. Real confirmed a sprain one day later, opting for non-surgical treatment.
The French striker did not travel with the team to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico. However, he appeared in the final against Barca on 11/1, entering as a substitute for 14 minutes in the 2-3 loss.
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Kylian Mbappe joins the France national team on 23/3. Photo: Reuters
Under coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Mbappe still featured in 8 of the next 10 matches, scoring 9 goals. The coaching staff reported that they closely monitored the French striker's physical condition, adjusting and reducing his training load.
Mbappe later missed several matches to undergo further checks and treatment in Paris. Subsequent medical reports upheld the initial diagnosis, continuing the non-surgical recovery approach.
Sources indicated that Mbappe's knee showed no signs of instability, allowing him to play when not experiencing pain. However, this intermittent pain explains his sporadic appearances since the injury.
Most recently, Mbappe returned in the 2-1 Champions League victory over Man City, helping Real Madrid reach the quarter-finals with a 5-1 aggregate score. He also entered as a substitute in the 3-2 win against Atletico Madrid last weekend.
Mbappe has joined the France national team to prepare for two friendly matches against Brazil on 26/3 and Colombia on 29/3 in the US.
By Hong Duy
