Did Mbappé’s season end? Arbeloa responds…
Following yesterday’s misstep, when Mbappé posted an Instagram story cheering on his team from home—but with the 2-0 scoreline against him—he only fueled the controversy surrounding him in recent weeks. From insults directed at an assistant of Arbeloa, to unauthorized trips to Italy while injured, to recent absences amid the team’s crisis, the Frenchman continues to stoke the anger of a fanbase that is starting to lose patience.
Yesterday’s post was the culmination of a chain of controversies that reinforce the perception of an Mbappé disconnected from reality and lacking commitment to his team. Despite his message of support, neither the timing nor the context sat well with the Madrid faithful, who watched in disbelief as the striker posted that while the team suffered a historic defeat and Barcelona was crowned champion.
After a night of celebration in Barcelona, the team had a day off in Madrid. One of the morning’s surprises came from the player who was not in the squad and did not travel to Barcelona: Mbappé shared a photo of himself training at Valdebebas, smiling in the gym, posted to his Instagram account. The post came just hours after his team lost another Clásico, Barcelona clinched the title, and he himself ignited an ongoing firestorm.
Mbappé’s Instagram story
Now, the enigmatic Mbappé shares this photo of his return to training, focusing on recovery from the lingering discomfort caused by a left leg injury two weeks ago. With three matches left (against Oviedo, Sevilla, and Athletic) and no titles at stake, all that remains for the team is pride—and, in his case, a potential personal battle for the Pichichi, which he is contesting with Muriqi.
No one fully understands what Mbappé is doing these days or what he intends with this latest gym photo—whether it’s a sign of commitment or a spontaneous gesture to extinguish the fire sparked by his ill-timed post last night. Regardless, he and his teammates will have to face the music next Thursday against Oviedo at the Bernabéu, where justified boos are expected for a season to forget.
