Football: Why is Kylian Mbappé at the heart of a new controversy in Spain?

Missing from the Clasico lost by Real Madrid against FC Barcelona on Sunday in La Liga (2-0), Kylian Mbappé is at the center of a new controversy in Spain.

The controversies continue for Kylian Mbappé. Already criticized in recent weeks for his perceived individualistic behavior and his trip to Sardinia last weekend with his partner Ester Exposito during a championship match of his team, the French striker is now embroiled in a new controversy in Spain.

Kylian Mbappé on IG. pic.twitter.com/b8Ga63Fs4C

– Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 10, 2026

Missing from the Clasico lost by Real Madrid against FC Barcelona on Sunday in La Liga (2-0) due to a hamstring injury, the captain of the French national team was heavily criticized by Madrid fans for a story posted during the match.

Just over half an hour after the start of the match, the former Monaco and PSG player, who was not present at the Camp Nou, wanted to encourage his teammates by posting the message “Hala Madrid” with a white heart and a photo of the game he was watching on television. But at the time of taking the picture, Real Madrid was already trailing by two goals to their Barcelona rivals.

This drew the ire of many fans of the Spanish club, increasingly frustrated by the attitude and communication of the 2018 World Cup champion. Some saw this post as a provocation at a time when the Madrid locker room is tense, especially after the violent altercation between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde.

With Real Madrid having nothing to play for before the final three matchdays of La Liga, and preparing to finish another season without any trophies, the end of the season looks to be long for the Spanish club, Kylian Mbappé, and the supporters of Real Madrid.