Clasico Tension: Kylian Mbappe Holiday Sparks Madrid Fan Outrage

Mbappe under fire as Real Madrid fans question commitment

Despite scoring 41 goals this season, Mbappe faces accusations of being too individualistic. His camp denies any lack of commitment, while Vinicius and Bellingham’s calls for unity have fueled rift speculation.  

The France captain says he’s used to criticism and will stay true to himself, but a viral petition and social media backlash signal growing discontent among Madrid supporters...

Kylian Mbappe is facing criticism from sections of Real Madrid’s fanbase after posting holiday photos from Sardinia while sidelined with a hamstring injury, fueling further speculation about unrest within the squad ahead of Sunday’s Clasico against Barcelona.

The French forward’s trip to Italy, taken during scheduled rest days for injured players including Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, and Arda Guler, has frustrated many supporters who see it as poorly timed.

A widely shared edited image bearing a “Fuera (out)” stamp across Mbappe’s face, originally from a satirical account and later reposted under Real Madrid’s official social media content, has become a rallying point for fans publicly demanding his departure.

An online petition has been spreading across social media, calling on Madrid supporters to “make their voices heard.” It states: “If you believe change is necessary, do not remain silent: sign this petition and defend what you believe is best for the future of the club.”

The situation escalated further after photos surfaced of Mbappe with actress Ester Exposito, posted online as Real Madrid prepared for last weekend’s key La Liga fixture against Espanyol aimed at holding off Barcelona’s title push.

Real Madrid secured a 2–0 victory, and coach Alvaro Arbeloa responded by saying “each player does what they consider appropriate in their free time” and that it was “none of my business.” Yet some interpreted his remarks as veiled criticism directed at his top scorer.

Effort Over Elegance

“We didn’t build Real Madrid around players in tuxedos,” he said. “We built it with players who end games with shirts soaked in sweat and mud, through hard work and sacrifice.”

Madrid is “a club where, fortunately, no player has ever been, is, or ever will be bigger than Real Madrid,” Arbeloa added.

Mbappe’s camp stated that “part of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation of elements linked to a recovery period that is strictly supervised by the club.” and that it does not reflect “the reality of the commitment and daily work Kylian puts in for the team.”

An online petition signed by Madridistas to get Mbappe out of the club has reached over 1.2 million signatures. pic.twitter.com/hwiUIR2018

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 5, 2026

The France captain, no stranger to intense public scrutiny, spoke about his approach earlier this season on The Bridge, a podcast hosted by Real Madrid and France teammate Aurelien Tchouameni. He said: “I’ve reached a point where you’re going to get criticised whatever you do, so you might as well do what you want - at least then you stay true to yourself.”

Scoring Record Can't Shield Mbappe From Criticism

Mbappe has netted 41 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions this season, making him Real Madrid’s top scorer by a wide margin. Even so, he’s faced mounting scrutiny since his mid-March return from injury, with some pundits claiming his play has become too individualistic.

Growing Distance in the Squad

Spanish outlets report that Mbappe, reportedly frustrated by a second straight season at Madrid without a major trophy, is growing distant from teammates in the dressing room. That’s a shift from earlier in the campaign, when he had stepped up as one of the squad’s leaders.

 Jude Bellingham following Sunday’s victory as evidence of a widening divide with the France captain. “We fought and we played together. When we play like that, we are better and stronger,” Vinicius said on Real Madrid TV, while Bellingham posted on Instagram urging teammates to remain “together” and fully committed “until the very last whistle” of the season.  

Friendly social media interactions between Vinicius and Bellingham, who lifted the Champions League together before Mbappe joined the club, have only added to speculation about a fresh clash of egos emerging within the Real Madrid dressing room.