Drama is beginning to engulf Real Madrid again, particularly around Kylian Mbappe, but one former Manchester United star has been caught up in a training ground incident
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. (Photo by Jose Luis Contreras/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
There is more drama around Kylian Mbappe(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United defender Alvaro Carreras was allegedly struck by Real Madrid team-mate Antonio Rudiger during a heated altercation behind the scenes in the Spanish capital. Tensions are appearing to fracture Los Blancos' dressing room.
Kylian Mbappe has found himself embroiled in controversy, having reportedly been involved in a fierce dispute with a member of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa's backroom staff. However, a separate incident involving Rudiger and Carreras, who left United in 2024, has also come to light.
It has been claimed the former Chelsea defender "lost his mind" at Carreras, with Spanish reports alleging the German international struck the left-back. The incident surfaced amid suggestions that Carreras' dedication had been seriously questioned by coaching staff and other figures connected to the club.
When these allegations reached the press, the defender issued a statement in his own defence. 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."
BARCELONA, SPAIN - 2026/05/03: Alvaro Carreras (Real Madrid FC) seen in action during LaLiga EASPORTS game between teams of RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Real Madrid FC RCD Espanyol de Barcelona 0 - 2 Real Madrid FC. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Carreras left United to join Benfica in 2024 and then moved to Real Madrid a year later(Image: SOPA Images, SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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The Athletic reported that Rudiger apologised over the incident and also treated many of the players and their families to lunch as a way of mending fences. While this appeared to draw a line under that particular dispute, tensions are still simmering within the dressing room.
Mbappe has since been accused of becoming embroiled in a heated row with one of Arbeloa's backroom staff during a training session in April, in which they were acting as referee. The Frenchman reportedly directed angry words at the assistant and also hurled a number of insulting remarks their way.
The World Cup winner is currently undergoing a rehabilitation programme for a recently sustained injury. Despite this, he still found himself thrust into the spotlight after being photographed aboard a luxury yacht with his new girlfriend Ester Exposito, just days before his team-mates are due to face Barcelona in El Clásico.
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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In response to a number of reports from the Spanish press, Mbappe issued a statement to the Associated Press. It read: "Part of the criticism is based on an over-interpretation 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."
At a recent press conference, Arbeloa declined to be drawn on the images of Mbappe and his partner aboard the yacht. When pressed on the matter, he curtly responded: "Each player, in their free time, does what they consider appropriate; that is not my concern."