Kylian Mbappé faced loud boos from sections of Real Madrid supporters during Thursday’s 2-0 La Liga victory over Real Oviedo at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The French forward, who had been sidelined since late April with a hamstring injury, was jeered by fans during his warm-up, when he entered the match in the 68th minute, and nearly every time he touched the ball afterward.
Despite the hostile reception — the first major backlash from Madrid supporters since his arrival in 2024 — Mbappé still contributed to the win by providing an assist for Jude Bellingham, who scored the second goal in the 80th minute.
The result had little impact on the league standings, as Real Madrid are already guaranteed to finish second behind rivals FC Barcelona, who officially secured the league title after defeating Madrid in last weekend’s Clasico.
Mbappé’s absence during that decisive match reignited criticism in Spain over what some fans and commentators describe as an overly individualistic attitude. Frustration among supporters reportedly intensified after the forward made a controversial — though club-approved — trip to Sardinia earlier in May while the team was preparing for a league fixture against RCD Espanyol.
Some fans also criticized him for appearing relaxed and smiling while leaving training shortly after a heated altercation between teammates Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde.
Although Mbappé has delivered impressive individual numbers — scoring 41 goals in 42 matches this season — Real Madrid are set to finish without a major trophy, adding to the disappointment surrounding the campaign.
Still, his return from injury comes as a boost for both club and country, especially after Didier Deschamps named him in France’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada
