Kylian Mbappé under fire: The Madrid press accuses him of a surprising fear!

The Madrid press has once again turned its attention to Kylian Mbappé, but this time the criticism is rather unexpected. Spanish outlet AS has put forth a striking theory: the French superstar has a fear of heading the ball. This accusation has reignited debates about whether Real Madrid’s new number 9 has limitations that could impact his success at the club.

The report suggests that Mbappé’s reluctance to engage in aerial duels stems from two concussions he suffered early in his career while playing in Ligue 1. These injuries reportedly left a lasting mark on his approach to the game, leading him to avoid using his head whenever possible.

The issue resurfaced during Euro 2024 when Mbappé broke his nose following a collision in an aerial duel. The incident, which forced him to wear a protective mask for the remainder of the tournament, allegedly intensified his aversion to headers. Since then, according to AS, the French forward has deliberately avoided heading the ball, raising questions about his ability to fully adapt to Real Madrid’s style of play.

“Kylian Mbappé has always been terrified of hitting his head due to the concussions he suffered early in his career,” reads a segment from the AS article. “The broken nose he sustained during the Euros only reinforced his fears. His game has never revolved around headers, and now it seems he avoids them entirely.”

When evaluating Mbappé’s playing style, it is clear that his game relies on blistering speed, sharp dribbling, and precise finishing. However, his lack of aerial prowess stands out, particularly when compared to previous Real Madrid legends. Out of his 300-plus career goals, fewer than 5% have come from headers. By contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo, a player Mbappé has idolized, has scored well over 140 headed goals in his career.

The Spanish press has used this contrast to fuel speculation that Mbappé might struggle to fit into a system that values aerial dominance. Real Madrid’s style of play has historically relied on strong headers of the ball, with players like Karim Benzema and Ronaldo excelling in this aspect. If Mbappé cannot provide a similar threat, it could limit the team’s attacking options.

However, the criticism from AS raises an important question: is this a valid concern, or just another attempt to unsettle the French star? Many world-class players have thrived without being dominant in the air. Thierry Henry, for instance, scored over 360 goals in his career, yet heading was never a significant part of his game. Likewise, Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player of all time, rarely scores headers and has never been criticized for it.

Despite these critiques, Mbappé continues to be one of the most prolific forwards in world football. His overall goal contributions remain elite, and he has already made a strong start at Real Madrid. The club’s tactical setup can also accommodate his strengths, minimizing any need for him to rely on headers.

Furthermore, Carlo Ancelotti is well aware of Mbappé’s attributes and would not have pushed for his signing if heading ability was a make-or-break factor. The Italian tactician has built teams around various attacking profiles, and Madrid’s current system can easily play to Mbappé’s strengths without requiring him to change his natural style.

It is also worth noting that Mbappé has occasionally scored with his head when necessary. While not his preferred method, he has shown that he can rise to the occasion when needed. The real question is whether he will feel the pressure to improve in this area or continue playing to his own strengths.

Additionally, the Spanish media has often been critical of big-name players upon their arrival at Real Madrid. Even Cristiano Ronaldo faced scrutiny early in his tenure. Mbappé is no different, and these criticisms could be seen as part of the usual Madrid press cycle rather than a genuine concern.

Despite the noise, Mbappé himself has remained focused. He has not publicly responded to these claims, instead letting his performances speak for themselves. His recent displays have demonstrated his world-class ability, making it difficult for detractors to undermine his impact.

At just 26 years old, Mbappé still has room for growth. If he chooses to work on his heading ability, he has the potential to add another weapon to his arsenal. However, even if he does not, his overall game remains one of the most devastating in football today.

For now, Real Madrid fans are more interested in seeing their new star flourish rather than focusing on a perceived flaw. As long as he continues to score goals and deliver key performances, concerns about his heading ability will remain secondary.

Ultimately, the accusations from AS seem more like an attempt to create controversy rather than a legitimate critique of Mbappé’s game. While heading ability can be an asset, it is by no means essential to his success at Real Madrid. If history is any indicator, Mbappé will likely silence his critics in the best way possible—by leading Madrid to trophies.