Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid hasn’t unfolded as expected since joining on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. While one pundit has floated the idea of the French star returning to his former club, a journalist has expressed doubt that such a reunion is on the horizon.
The 25-year-old, under contract until 2029, has endured a tough start in Madrid. His struggles were on full display during Real Madrid’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
With Vinicius unavailable last Wednesday, Mbappé had the chance to shine in his preferred role against Liverpool. Instead, it turned out to be a night to forget for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
Kylian Mbappé called a ‘Ghost’ by pundit in latest criticism
Kylian Mbappe
Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Although Mbappé found the net over the weekend against Getafe, his performances in key moments have yet to impress. That momentum quickly faded as he missed a penalty in the 68th minute of Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Athletic Club on Wednesday.
Former PSG goalkeeper Jérôme Alonzo didn’t mince words in his critique, describing Mbappé’s recent displays as reminiscent of a “ghost” on the pitch.
“His performance was catastrophic,” Alonzo said Wednesday onL’ÉQUIPE du soir. “Sure, he was involved in the goal—he took a decent shot, and the goalkeeper made a terrible mistake. The goalkeeper was just awful. He also had a goal disallowed in the first half for offside. Yes, there was offside, no doubt.
“But when people tell me, ‘He was involved in the goal,’ I can’t argue—he took the shot, and the goalkeeper made a horrible save. Aside from that, though, his performance was catastrophic. Tactically, technically, physically, and in terms of attitude, I saw a ghost. I watch these games because I genuinely want this guy to become the player we all loved watching again.”
Jérome Alonzo " Le match de Mbappé est catastrophique. Je vois un fantôme. " #EDS pic.twitter.com/O0T2GuX7qT
— L'ÉQUIPE du soir (@lequipedusoir) December 4, 2024
Eventually, the adaptation excuse will wear thin, and questions will arise about whether Mbappé’s dream transfer is turning into a nightmare.