Real Madrid is going through one of its most difficult internal periods in recent years,
Real Madrid: Locker Room Crisis, Tension with Kylian Mbappé, and an Uncertain Future
A Failed Season Without a Major Trophy
The fact that Real Madrid reached the end of the season without a significant trophy has naturally created pressure on a club built around immediate success. The defeat to FC Barcelona in El Clásico essentially sealed the loss of the league title, with the Catalans securing the championship after a 2-0 victory over their biggest rivals.
The situation feels even heavier because this marks the second consecutive season without a major trophy for Real Madrid. Failure in Europe, combined with the inability to seriously challenge for the Spanish title until the end, has left the club exposed both competitively and publicly.
Within this context, Mbappé became an easy target for much of the criticism. His individual quality is not in doubt, but Real Madrid never managed to find the necessary balance with him, Vinícius Júnior, and the rest of the team’s attacking stars.
The Mbappé Situation and Tension with Álvaro Arbeloa
The 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo did not bring calm to the Santiago Bernabéu. Mbappé returned from a muscle injury, came on as a substitute in the second half, and was loudly booed by a section of the fans — a moment that highlighted how tense the atmosphere around him has become.
After the match, Mbappé claimed that Arbeloa viewed him as the fourth attacking option, behind Vinícius, Gonzalo García, and Franco Mastantuono. At the same time, he made it clear that he feels ready to play and respects the coach’s decisions, even if he disagrees with them.
Arbeloa, however, rejected that version of events, stating that the decision not to start him was based purely on his physical condition and the fact that he had not even been available for El Clásico just days earlier. He also stressed that he alone decides who plays, regardless of reputation, making it clear that managing Mbappé has become a central issue for the team.
Boos and a Damaged Relationship with the Fans
Mbappé’s relationship with part of the fanbase has been severely tested. The French star was criticized for traveling to Sardinia while recovering from injury, with his representatives responding that his rehabilitation was being supervised by the club.
The frustration also appeared in an online campaign against him, which according to reports gathered nearly 30 million signatures, although it remains unclear how many actually came from Real Madrid supporters. More than anything, this reflects the scale of the tension surrounding the player rather than any realistic possibility of his departure.
Mbappé himself tried to calm the situation, saying that he does not take the boos personally and that high expectations at Real Madrid are simply part of everyday life for a player of his level.
The Locker Room Under the Spotlight
Real Madrid’s problems are not limited to the Mbappé situation. Recently, reports have emerged of serious tension between Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, with media outlets claiming there was an argument during training that continued into the locker room. The incident is being presented as another sign that the atmosphere inside the squad has significantly deteriorated.
According to those same reports, Real Madrid reportedly fined both players in an attempt to contain the issue before it escalated further.
More importantly, these stories are emerging at a time when Real Madrid appears to have lost its unity. When poor performances on the pitch are accompanied by internal conflicts, every incident gains greater significance and reinforces the feeling that the team needs a reset.
Florentino Pérez’s Press Conference and the Elections
Florentino Pérez attempted to regain control of the situation through a public statement, announcing that he has no intention of resigning and will instead seek a renewed mandate from the club’s members.
Real Madrid officially announced the start of the election process, with candidacies open until May 23, 2026. If more than one valid candidacy is submitted, the electoral committee will set a voting date.
At the same time, the name of José Mourinho remains in the spotlight regarding the club’s next managerial appointment, although he has avoided confirming any talks while Benfica’s season is still ongoing.
In any case, Real Madrid is entering a summer of major decisions, with the coaching position, the management of Mbappé, and restoring calm in the locker room all at the top of the agenda.
The End of
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