With splinters seemingly forming within Real Madrid, an incident involving one former Manchester United player has come to light amongst the drama
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid is training at Ciudad Real Madrid on April 18, 2026 in Madrid, Spain
There has been drama at the Real Madrid training HQ(Image: 2026 Real Madrid)
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Former Manchester United defender Alvaro Carreras was reportedly slapped by Real Madrid team-mate Antonio Rudiger in a blazing row. Splinters appear to be forming within the Los Blancos squad.
While Kylian Mbappe has also been in the middle of the drama, having allegedly had a huge argument with a member of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa's staff, an incident involving Rudiger and Carreras has also emerged. It's been reported the ex-Chelsea defender "lost his mind" at Carreras, with reports from Spain claiming the German international slapped the left-back.
This incident emerged amid claims Carreras' commitment was heavily questioned by coaches and other figures affiliated with the club. When these stories made their way into the media, the defender released a statement defending himself.
Carreras said: "In recent days, certain insinuations and comments have emerged about me that do not reflect reality. My commitment to this club and to the coaches I have worked with has been absolute from day one, and it will continue to be so.
"Since I returned, I have always worked with the utmost professionalism, respect and dedication. I have fought very hard to fulfil my dream of coming back home.
"Regarding the incident with a team-mate, it was an isolated matter without importance that has already been resolved. My relationship with the entire team is very good."
The Athletic has stated Rudiger apologised about the incident and also took many of the players and their families out for lunch as a means of rebuilding some bridges. While this seemed to put an end to that quarrel, there are still issues brewing within the club.
Michael Olise of FC Bayern Munchen, Alvaro Carreras of Real Madrid, Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid v Bayern Munchen at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 7, 2026 in Madrid Spain
Rudiger (right) has been accused of slapping his team-mate Carreras(Image: 2024 Soccrates Images B.V.)
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Mbappe has been accused of having a heated argument with one of Arbeloa's staff members while they were playing as a referee in a training session at a later date in April. The Frenchman reportedly spoke angrily towards the assistant and also uttered some insulting terms towards them.
The World Cup winner is currently under a period of rehabilitation for an injury he recently picked up. Nevertheless, he still found himself in the headlines when he was pictured on a luxury yacht with his new girlfriend Ester Exposito, a matter of days before his team-mates face Barcelona in El Classico.
Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid CF reacts to a missed opportunity during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Betis and Real Madrid at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, Spain, on April 24, 2026
Mbappe has found himself at the centre of drama at Real Madrid(Image: Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto)
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In response to various articles from the Spanish press, Mbappe released a statement to the Associated Press. It read: "Part of the criticism is based on an overinterpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club, without reflecting the reality of Kylian’s commitment and the work he puts in every day for the team."
In a recent press conference, Arbeloa refused to be drawn on the picture of Mbappe and his other half on the yacht. When asked, he brusquely replied: "Each player, in their free time, does what they consider appropriate; that is not my concern."
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