Kylian Mbappé violently criticized like never before!

Kylian Mbappé’s dream start at Real Madrid has quickly turned into a nightmare. What was supposed to be a triumphant season in the iconic white shirt of the Spanish giants has taken a sharp and unexpected turn after their brutal exit from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Arsenal. And now, the backlash has begun — with the French superstar being torn apart by the Spanish press in a manner unseen since his arrival in the capital.

“I had a dream, which became a goal, and now a reality. I want to win everything with Real Madrid: La Liga, the Champions League, everything,” Mbappé told La Sexta earlier this month, his voice brimming with hope and ambition. Yet those words now ring hollow following Real Madrid’s crushing 2-1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu, confirming their 5-1 aggregate elimination in the quarter-finals.

Mbappé’s performance — or lack thereof — in both legs of the tie has been the subject of intense scrutiny. After a muted showing in London, the return leg offered a shot at redemption. Instead, it further exposed his struggles. For a player widely regarded as one of the best in the world, he was almost anonymous on the pitch. Devoid of inspiration, short on sharpness, and visibly frustrated, he exited the game with 15 minutes remaining after picking up an ankle knock. The Bernabéu responded not with applause but with whistles — a stunning signal of disappointment from a fanbase that had waited years for his arrival.

Statistics do not lie — and in Mbappé’s case, they offer little room for justification. In the entire Champions League knockout phase, he failed to score a single goal. Six shots. Only three on target. For a player tipped to challenge for the Ballon d’Or, these numbers are damning.

The Spanish press, known for its harsh assessments, didn’t hold back. Tomas Roncero, speaking on Cadena SER, was cutting: “We thought he came here to confirm his status — the status of a world champion. But apart from his hat-trick against City earlier this year, he hasn’t delivered. He looks anxious. He’s light-years away from Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Julio Pulido echoed that sentiment, delivering an even harsher judgment: “The whistles are part of his salary. When you’re regarded as the best player in the world, you have to carry the team. He hasn’t. He will never be Cristiano. He doesn’t have his character or his leadership.”

Antonio Romero added another layer to the criticism, saying: “We shouldn’t compare him to Cristiano anymore. Compare him to Vinícius Jr., and even then, it’s clear who’s been more impactful. Mbappé hasn’t stepped up.”

The mood across Spain is clear — patience is running out. Even AS, the Madrid-based newspaper known for its close ties to the club, delivered a damning verdict: “He was recruited to be decisive in matches like these. Instead, all we see are missed penalties and flat performances.”

On El Chiringuito, Josep Pedrerol wasn’t any kinder: “The best player in the world must shine in games like this. I didn’t see him. Is it unfair to point the finger at him? No. At least Vinícius tried. Mbappé disappeared.”

The sense of isolation surrounding the Frenchman is growing. According to Cadena SER, only the young Brazilian, Endrick — who hasn’t even officially debuted for the club — approached Mbappé to check on him after his injury. A symbolic moment that spoke volumes about his current status within the squad.

For Real Madrid fans, the concern is not just about one bad game — it’s about a pattern forming. A player of Mbappé’s caliber, with his salary and reputation, is expected to define moments, win games singlehandedly, and lead the team when it matters most. So far, that’s not happening.

What’s more worrying is the visible emotional toll. Mbappé appeared dejected at full-time, avoiding cameras and refusing post-match interviews. Rumors swirled of a halftime outburst in the dressing room, with insiders claiming he “snapped” out of frustration at his teammates and his own performance.

Madridistas had long campaigned for his arrival. His decision to snub Los Blancos in 2022 for a last-minute PSG extension only heightened the drama around his eventual move in 2024. Now, those same fans are asking uncomfortable questions: Was the wait worth it?

Carlo Ancelotti is also under fire, but much of the spotlight remains firmly on Mbappé. The iconic Italian coach defended his star man in the post-match conference, stating that “Kylian needs time and support.” But even those words couldn’t stem the tide of criticism erupting across Madrid and beyond.

Mbappé, just 26, is not new to pressure. He’s won the World Cup, starred in Champions League matches for PSG, and carried the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders. Yet somehow, the scrutiny at Real Madrid feels heavier, more unforgiving.

Now, the question is: how does he bounce back? With La Liga still to play for and the European Championships on the horizon this summer, Mbappé has little time to sulk. He must respond — and fast.

His dream may have taken a hit, but it’s not over. If Kylian Mbappé is to write a successful chapter at Real Madrid, it must begin now — with fire in his belly, answers on the pitch, and silence in the press room.

One thing is certain: the honeymoon is over. What remains is the hard truth — wearing the No.9 shirt at Real Madrid isn’t just about goals and glitz. It’s about grit. And only time will tell if Mbappé has enough of it.