Real Madrid’s late-season chaos deepened on Thursday night following a 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo at the Santiago Bernaeu. Despite the win, the evening was dominated by the fractured relationship between the club’s fans and Kylian Mbappe, who was met with a chorus of boos and whistles upon his return to the pitch.
The French captain, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, entered the fray in the 68th minute, but the warm welcome usually reserved for a returning superstar was replaced by his own fans.
🚨🚨 MBAPPÉ 🇫🇷 SE FAIT HUER PAR TOUT LE BERNABEU !!!! 😳 pic.twitter.com/XEDNAl5ODk
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) May 14, 2026
Why Did Real Madrid Fans Boo Kylian Mbappe At The Santiago Bernabeu?
Fans were reportedly furious over his recent trip to Sardinia while recovering from his injury, a vacation that saw him miss the critical 2-0 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona just days prior. Photos of the striker with actress Ester Exposito on a yacht sparked a social media firestorm.
“I think that’s life, we can’t change people’s opinion when they’re angry. It’s a way for them to talk, to express themselves, and I think you shouldn’t take it personally,” Mbappe said on the jeers as mentioned by Fox Sports. “It’s the life of a Real Madrid player and the life of a famous player like me,” he added.
Kylian Mbappe Admits Missing El Clasico ‘Was Painful’
Beyond the crowd’s reaction, Mbappé voiced his own frustrations as the France captain said he is now the fourth-choice forward at Real Madrid after manager Alvaro Arbeloa left him out of the starting line-up for their 2-0 win over Real Oviedo on Thursday and opted to play Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia in attack.
Mbappe told reporters fitness was not an issue. “I’m 100% fine. I haven’t played because for the coach I’ve been the fourth striker in the squad behind (Franco) Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo,” he said.
“I was ready to start, it’s his decision and it always has to be respected. I have no problem at all with Arbeloa. You have to accept the coach’s philosophy and I have to do better to play ahead of Vini, Gonzalo and Mastantuono.”
Mbappe has faced criticism from fans for travelling to Sardinia while recovering from his injury, though he said the club had authorized the trip.
“It’s a shame I could not play El Clásico. It’s a match I love, and I love playing against Barça, because I always score goals against them,” Mbappe said.
🚨 Kylian Mbappé: “It’s a shame I could not play El Clásico… I love playing that game, I always score against Barça!”.
“I was 100% ready to play. I always want to play. But we move forward”. pic.twitter.com/zn2fsP0Ixd
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 15, 2026
Coach Alvaro Arbeloa Reacts To Mbappe’s Comments
Arbeloa said there was no way he could start Mbappe after he missed the Barcelona match and dismissed the suggestion he had told the Frenchman he was fourth choice.
“I had a conversation with him before the game and I don’t know what he could have interpreted,” the Spaniard told reporters.
“For me it is very clear that a player who four days ago could not be on the bench (against Barcelona), today should not start. Especially because it’s not a final, it’s not a game of life or death.”
Arbeloa added that Mbappe would start Real’s next match at Sevilla on Sunday.
(With inputs from Reuters)
