Forget the tooth: why was Kylian Mbappé awful against Betis and Atlético?

Kylian Mbappé’s struggles in recent matches have raised serious concerns among Real Madrid supporters. The French superstar, expected to be a decisive force in the Champions League knockout stages, has looked a shadow of his former self. While Carlo Ancelotti has pointed to his recent dental surgery as a factor, a closer look suggests deeper issues at play.

Heading into 2025, Mbappé was in scintillating form, lighting up LaLiga and delivering breathtaking performances on the European stage. However, his recent displays against Real Betis and Atlético Madrid have been alarmingly subpar. In the match against Betis, Mbappé was virtually absent after the opening 20 minutes, unable to influence the game in any meaningful way. His lack of sharpness led Ancelotti to substitute him early, sparking immediate speculation about his condition.

The Italian coach was quick to defend his star player, explaining that Mbappé had undergone a dental procedure that left him unable to train properly. While the excuse might have sufficed for the Betis match, his poor showing against Atlético Madrid suggested a more troubling trend.

Mbappé, who dominated headlines after his hat-trick against Manchester City earlier in the competition, was expected to be Real Madrid’s game-changer at the Metropolitano. Instead, he delivered a performance riddled with errors, sluggish movement, and an uncharacteristic lack of urgency. Rather than terrorizing Atlético’s defense, he frequently lost possession, misplaced simple passes, and failed to make his usual darting runs in behind.

His body language was equally concerning. In stark contrast to his dynamic displays earlier in the season, Mbappé appeared disengaged. He barely pressed Atlético’s backline, often leaving Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Díaz to shoulder the workload. By halftime, he had covered just four kilometers—well below the standard expected of a player leading the line for Los Blancos.

One of the defining moments of the match came late in the second half when Real Madrid had a golden opportunity to secure a crucial third goal. Vinícius Júnior made a clever run into space, waiting for a precise through ball from Mbappé. However, the Frenchman’s heavy first touch allowed Atlético’s defense to recover, killing off Madrid’s momentum. It was the kind of mistake he rarely makes when in peak condition.

Ancelotti once again defended his forward in the post-match press conference, reiterating that Mbappé was still feeling the aftereffects of his surgery. “He wasn’t at 100% fitness, but he needed these minutes to regain sharpness,” the Italian explained. “I have no doubt he’ll be back to his best in the coming matches.”

However, comparisons with his teammates suggest otherwise. Federico Valverde, who had been dealing with an adductor injury for weeks, returned to the starting lineup and delivered a high-intensity performance despite missing several matches. The contrast in energy levels between Valverde and Mbappé was striking, raising questions about the Frenchman’s mentality and approach.

Former Real Madrid captain Karim Benzema recently touched on this issue during a podcast, emphasizing the importance of training intensity. Observers at Valdebebas have noted that Mbappé’s effort in training has waned in recent weeks. While players like Jude Bellingham push themselves relentlessly in every drill, Mbappé has reportedly been taking it easier.

Before the Betis clash, he was seen laughing and joking with Eduardo Camavinga instead of fully focusing on pre-match preparations. Coincidentally, Camavinga has also seen a dip in form, suggesting that certain players may not be applying themselves with the discipline required at a club like Real Madrid.

This drop in intensity is now visibly affecting Mbappé’s performances. Unlike Cristiano Ronaldo, who built his legacy on an unparalleled work ethic, the Frenchman risks stagnation if he does not show the same hunger to improve. Ronaldo never allowed complacency to set in, ensuring that he was always at peak physical and mental condition for big games. Mbappé, on the other hand, has shown signs of comfort, something that could prove costly in the long run.

Real Madrid fans expect their marquee signing to lead from the front, particularly in high-stakes matches. Instead, they’ve seen a player who appears to be going through the motions, waiting for his form to return rather than actively working to rediscover it. With the Champions League quarterfinals on the horizon, this is a worrying trend.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Mbappé. He must use the criticism as motivation to prove that his recent struggles are merely a temporary blip rather than a sign of deeper issues. If he continues to perform at his current level, Ancelotti may be forced to make some difficult decisions regarding his role in the starting XI.

Madridistas have seen enough superstars pass through the Santiago Bernabéu to recognize that talent alone is never enough. The best players—whether it be Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, or Luka Modrić—have always combined their natural ability with an insatiable drive to win. Mbappé must now show he belongs in that elite category.

The second leg against Atlético will be his chance at redemption. If he wants to cement his place as Real Madrid’s talisman, he must rise to the occasion. The question is: does he have the mentality to do so?