Why is Kylian Mbappe playing with a plaster on his face for Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich?

As Real Madrid took to the pitch to take on Bayern Munich in the second leg of the quarterfinals matchup in the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League, Kylian Mbappe turned heads. The French star is wearing a band-aid above his right eyebrow, leading fans to wonder what happened to him.

Mbappe took an elbow hit to the face during Real Madrid‘s 1–1 draw against Girona in Matchweek 31 of the 2025–26 La Liga season. Mbappe received stitches after losing blood following the heavy contact with Girona’s Vitor Reis.

Although it draws attention, Mbappe is fully healthy to compete and help his team as Real Madrid vies for a comeback on German soil. However, the plaster he is wearing above his eyebrow is something to keep an eye on, as it might limit his play against Bayern Munich.

No mask required for Mbappe

Mbappe is no stranger to wearing medical equipment on his face. After suffering a nose fracture at UEFA Euro 2024, Mbappe wore a mask in several matches for Real Madrid and France. This time, however, such a measure wasn’t necessary. Real Madrid’s medical staff gave Mbappe three stitches, and that was enough.

Kylian Mbappe after injuring his face vs Girona

After the game, the star posted a picture of his injured eyebrow on social media, calling out the referee for not awarding a penalty to Real Madrid. La Casa Blanca are now nine points behind Barcelona for the lead in the standings. With Barcelona having only domestic competition to focus on, the race for the championship may be well over.

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Following his gruesome injury, Mbappe missed Sunday morning’s practice in Madrid, but he was back with his teammates on Monday ahead of the visit to Munich.

What’s next for Real Madrid or Bayern?

Los Merengues hope to complete yet another memorable comeback and advance to the semifinals of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League. Whoever prevails will go on to face PSG in the penultimate stage before the grand final in Budapest.