Kylian Mbappé has sparked major controversy with explosive remarks following Real Madrid’s performance in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The 26-year-old French forward accused the club of deliberately undermining him during the tournament, linking the issue to rising Turkish star Arda Güler. The claims have stirred debate about internal team dynamics, coaching decisions, and Mbappé’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The drama unfolded during Real Madrid’s campaign in the newly expanded 32-team Club World Cup held in the U.S. from June 15 to July 13, 2025. Despite Mbappé’s stellar debut season—scoring 42 goals and registering 4 assists in 55 appearances—Real Madrid failed to secure the title. Tensions escalated after disappointing performances in Group H matches against Salzburg, Al Hilal, and Pachuca.
According to sources close to Mbappé, he believes manager Carlo Ancelotti prioritized 20-year-old Arda Güler at his expense. Güler had impressed late in the season with standout performances, including key goals and assists, notably in a 3-2 win over Celta Vigo and a strong showing in El Clásico. Mbappé reportedly felt the coaching staff shifted tactics to highlight Güler, sidelining him in crucial moments.
An especially controversial decision came during the June 22 match against Pachuca, where Güler started in place of more established names. Mbappé allegedly viewed this as a deliberate attempt to minimize his influence, telling L’Équipe, “They played me,” and suggesting he felt misled about his role as the team’s star.
Tensions between Mbappé and Güler had already surfaced earlier, notably in a March match against Villarreal when Mbappé was seen criticizing Güler for not passing. Ancelotti had previously limited Güler’s playing time, but the young midfielder’s surge in form forced more inclusion—something Mbappé reportedly resented.
Mbappé’s complaints have reignited questions about his fit at Real Madrid. Critics, including ex-Barcelona official Toni Freixa, argued that while Mbappé’s goal numbers were impressive, many came from penalties, and his presence may disrupt team chemistry. Online forums echo similar concerns, with fans comparing his work rate and discipline unfavorably to teammates like Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham.
Though the club has stayed silent, internal sources suggest communication gaps may be to blame. With Ancelotti set to depart after the season and Xabi Alonso expected to take over, tensions around integrating young talents like Güler and Endrick could further complicate matters.
As Real Madrid looks toward a new chapter, questions remain about whether Mbappé and Güler can coexist in a squad aiming for renewed dominance. While Güler is winning hearts with his humble attitude and rising potential, Mbappé’s harsh criticism has cast a shadow over what was meant to be a triumphant stage in his career.
