The pressure on Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid has reached an unprecedented level, as a fan-driven petition calling for his departure from the club has now amassed more than 40 million signatures. This staggering figure, reported by ESPN, highlights a dramatic shift in sentiment just days after the petition had collected around 11 million names.
The movement stems from a series of events that have fueled fan frustration. Reports indicate the French forward is unhappy with the conduct of certain teammates, with Vinícius Júnior specifically mentioned. This internal friction appears to have contributed to a growing disconnect between the player and the club's supporters.
A significant point of contention arose when Mbappé chose to travel to Italy for a vacation ahead of Real Madrid's crucial La Liga fixture against Barcelona on May 10. This decision drew sharp criticism from the fanbase, who viewed it as a lack of commitment during a critical phase of the season.
The situation is further complicated by Mbappé's current physical condition. The 27-year-old is recovering from an injury sustained during the 1-1 draw with Betis on April 24. His availability for the upcoming El Clásico remains uncertain as he works on his rehabilitation.
These individual issues are unfolding against a backdrop of broader instability within the Real Madrid squad. A recent physical altercation between midfielders Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni reportedly resulted in Valverde suffering a concussion, underscoring tensions within the dressing room.
Despite the current turmoil, Mbappé's statistical contribution since joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 has been substantial. He has scored 41 goals and provided 6 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions this season. Overall, his record stands at 85 goals and 11 assists in 100 matches for the Spanish giants.
The petition's rapid growth and the surrounding controversies place immense scrutiny on the relationship between one of football's biggest stars and one of its most demanding fanbases. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this rift can be mended.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.
