Kylian Mbappe returned to action for Real Madrid after missing the last two matches, coming off the bench to replace Gonzalo Garcia in the LaLiga clash against Real Oviedo. However, his return to the pitch was a tumultuous one; as he stepped onto the field to join the match, he was greeted by loud whistling from his own fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The fans’ frustration reportedly stems from his recent off-field controversy. While the French striker was sidelined and recovering from injury, he took a leisure trip to Italy with his girlfriend.
This decision was heavily condemned by Real Madrid supporters, who even launched an online petition to gather signatures demanding that the club part ways with the French forward.
Mbappe unfazed by the boos
Far from showing anger over the reception from the fans, the French striker pointed out that receiving this type of treatment from supporters is normal when the team isn’t winning and must be accepted.
“Boos from the fans? It’s normal. You have to accept it; when you don’t win, it’s normal,” Mbappé said, according to Fabrizio Romano. “It happens at Real Madrid and at any club in the world”.
Mbappe’s difficult moment
Mbappe’s recent weeks have been far from easy. In addition to facing harsh criticism over off-field issues, the forward has become a primary target for fans frustrated by Real Madrid’s lack of major silverware for a second consecutive season.
At the international level, he is also facing scrutiny from his own supporters. Despite the fact that Mbappe headlines France’s 2026 World Cup roster, many French fans believe the Real Madrid star should start on the bench in Didier Deschamps’ side.
According to a poll conducted by the prestigious French outlet L’Équipe, many fans believe Mbappe should be a substitute behind the trio of Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, and Desire Doue, who are entering the tournament in much better form with their respective clubs.
“More than 93,000 internet users have selected their own lineup for the World Cup. In attack, Ousmane Dembele is widely acclaimed (98.10%). Michael Olise received 97.46% of the votes, closely followed by Desire Doue (97.08%). It is only after this trio that captain Kylian Mbappe appears,” the newspaper shared on its social media platforms.
