Ferland Mendy seen walking on crutches just two weeks before Club World Cup

Just days after Real Madrid bid an emotional farewell to Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modric at the Santiago Bernabéu, there’s another story emerging—one that casts a shadow over the club’s immediate future. Ferland Mendy, a player already fighting an uphill battle to regain his form and place in the squad, was spotted moving with the aid of crutches, looking far from ready to take part in any competitive match soon.

The moment was bittersweet. The entire Madrid squad gathered to pay their respects to Ancelotti and Modric, marking the end of an era for two of the club’s most respected figures. While laughter and joy lit up the Bernabéu during the heartfelt sendoff, Mendy stood apart—physically and emotionally. He wasn’t tossing his teammates in the air. He wasn’t even able to move freely. The crutches told their own story.

The sight of Mendy walking gingerly, unable to participate in the team’s lively celebration, comes at a particularly worrying time for the club. In just two weeks, Real Madrid are scheduled to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States—a tournament that demands peak fitness and depth in every position. With Mendy’s current condition, it’s almost certain he won’t be on that flight.

The Frenchman recently underwent surgery to repair a ruptured tendon in his right quadriceps. That procedure took place in late April, a timeline that makes his recovery for the Club World Cup almost impossible. Even under the most optimistic scenario, a return to full match fitness would still be weeks away.

This is yet another unfortunate twist in what’s been a turbulent spell for Mendy at Madrid. Once regarded as a dependable and energetic left-back, his time at the club has been repeatedly derailed by injuries. Each time he seems ready to regain consistency, another setback halts his momentum.

While fans have shown sympathy for his struggles, frustration is mounting. Social media reactions were mixed after photos of him on crutches surfaced. While some fans sent well wishes and messages of support, others were blunt—urging the club to part ways with the injury-prone defender.

“Let him go, please,” one fan wrote. Another simply demanded, “Sell this guy or terminate his contract, that’s all.” Though harsh, these comments reflect the growing impatience among supporters who want Madrid to enter a new era with fitter, more reliable players.

Carlo Ancelotti’s farewell, while heartwarming, also signified change. With Ancelotti now departing and several players set for transitions, Real Madrid are at a crossroads. Squad rotation and health management will become even more critical under new leadership, especially with the Club World Cup, preseason, and La Liga all stacked close together.

Real Madrid are no strangers to injury woes this season. Mendy is one of ten players on the treatment table, and the club’s medical team has been working overtime to manage the overload. His situation is just the latest in a worrying pattern that’s made squad depth a pressing issue for the Spanish giants.

It also raises the question of Madrid’s left-back depth going into the Club World Cup. With Mendy almost certainly unavailable, all eyes turn to potential replacements. Fran García and Eduardo Camavinga, who has been deployed as a makeshift left-back before, may be called upon again. Neither, however, brings the same defensive solidity Mendy offers when fit.

Mendy’s injury also complicates his long-term future. His contract runs until 2025, but it remains to be seen whether the club will look to renew or cash in while they still can. Several clubs across Europe have been linked to the Frenchman in the past, but his injury record could scare off potential suitors.

From a tactical standpoint, Mendy’s absence creates imbalances. His ability to defend one-on-one, support in build-up play, and track back quickly on counterattacks has been valuable to Madrid in big games. Without him, the team often lacks defensive stability on the flanks, forcing midfielders to drop deep and adjust positioning constantly.

This latest setback might ultimately force the club to accelerate its search for a long-term replacement. Though names like Alphonso Davies and Miguel Gutiérrez have been floated around, no concrete move has been made. But with Mendy again sidelined, the urgency to reinforce the position is likely to intensify.

The timing could not be worse. Just when Madrid are gearing up to compete on a global stage, one of their key players is sidelined, again. The Club World Cup presents a unique opportunity to win another prestigious title, and squad strength will be pivotal. Unfortunately, Mendy will not be part of that story.

What’s most unfortunate is how invisible his journey has become. From being a trusted starter under Zidane to becoming a fringe figure at Madrid, Mendy’s story is now one of unfulfilled promise. And unless a drastic turnaround occurs, this could be one of his final seasons in the famous white shirt.

For now, all fans can do is wish him a full recovery. Whether that recovery leads to a new chapter at Madrid or elsewhere remains to be seen. But the image of him on crutches—quietly observing his teammates celebrating—may well be the defining image of Ferland Mendy’s Real Madrid career.