Kylian Mbappé’s highly anticipated move to Real Madrid hasn’t unfolded as smoothly as many expected after his free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Now 25 and signed through 2029, Mbappé has had a challenging start in Madrid. His struggles were on display during Real Madrid’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League group stage.
With Vinicius sidelined last Wednesday, Mbappé had the chance to step into his favored role, but the night ended in frustration for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner.
Although he found the net in a weekend match against Getafe, Mbappé has had difficulty delivering in key moments. His tough spell continued on Wednesday, missing a pivotal penalty in the 68th minute as Real Madrid fell 2-1 to Athletic Club.
Despite the setbacks, he showed signs of resilience by scoring in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Girona, highlighting the ups and downs of his first season in Spain.
### Would Real Madrid consider cutting the cord on Kylian Mbappé?
Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Amid the Frenchman’s struggles in LaLiga, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Johnson weighed in on whether Real Madrid would consider moving off from the player if his inconsistency continues.
“I’m not sure that I can see Real Madrid willingly looking to wash their hands of him quite quickly,” [Johnson said on the latest PSG Talk Extra Time podcast](https://psgtalk.substack.com/p/psg-talking-podcast-stalemate-in?utm_source=podcast-email%2Csubstack&publication_id=1480878&post_id=152694223&utm_campaign=email-play-on-substack&utm_medium=email&r=657x3&triedRedirect=true). “I think if something was to happen with the legal investigation in Sweden, that could potentially change the situation.
“But in terms of speaking solely about what’s going on the pitch at this moment in time, it’s easy to forget that Karim Benzema had a couple of really lean years at the beginning of his Real Madrid career before ultimately being able to turn it around, and not just turn it around, ultimately leave the club as a legendary figure and a Ballon d’Or winner.
“I do think that’s an example that Mbappé needs to keep reminding himself of. But also, it’s not really the same sport as it was 10 years ago or when Benzema was first taking steps with Real Madrid. Things have changed massively. There’s a lot less patience in the game.”