Real Madrid megastar’s growing distance with the squad a cause for concern

At Valdebebas, there have been murmurs about certain controversial attitudes that have not been well received in the dressing room.

Furthermore, the perceived “power struggle” between Vinicius Jr. and Mbappe appears to favour the Brazilian.

All is not well at Real Madrid. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

This is not only because Vinicius has carried the team during a difficult period, but also because he enjoys the support and connection of the group. The squad is fully committed to the Brazilian winger, while the same cannot currently be said for Mbappe now.

In recent months, this situation has somewhat fractured the unity between the French player and the rest of the locker room.

Signs of this were visible during his substitution against Real Betis after sustaining an injury. Mbappe left the pitch visibly displeased, offering a cold exchange with Arbeloa and showing reluctance to explain his condition.

How it came to this

Physical problems have been the primary reason behind Mbappe’s isolation and loss of connection with the team. So far this year, he has spent 53 days sidelined due to five injuries and has missed 10 matches.

The trip to Paris for a second medical opinion after the recurrence of a knee injury in February came with its own set of controversies.

Upon his return, nothing was quite the same. Mbappe did not regain his previous sharpness and remained affected by frustration over the injury situation.

At the same time, a resurgent Vinicius was taking centre stage and receiving praise from Arbeloa, who increasingly relied on the Brazilian as a key figure.

To make matters worse, a new injury again sidelined Mbappe and the latest trip to Italy created further tension. Real Madrid, for their part, will be hoping that things settle down in the locker room at the earliest and not spill over into the next season.