Journalist suggests ‘unhappy’ Kylian Mbappe might consider Real Madrid exit in 2027

Kylian Mbappe is facing growing scrutiny at Real Madrid, with questions now being raised over his relationship with the club and his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The French forward remains one of the most productive players in the squad, scoring eight goals in eight appearances across all competitions during the 2026/27 season.

Yet his recent knee injury and activities away from Madrid have created an unexpected wave of criticism.

Mbappe was given permission by Real Madrid to recover away from the club after suffering a hyperextension of the left knee joint capsule while on international duty.

However, his trips to Paris and Switzerland, including images of him riding a bicycle , have attracted criticism amid Mourinho’s recent stance on what players should be doing while recovering.

The latest comments have come from RMC Sport journalist Daniel Riolo (h/t Mundo Deportivo ), who believes the bicycle incident is part of a much bigger concern surrounding the Frenchman.

Assessing the situation, Riolo questioned whether Mbappe remains fully motivated and suggested that the forward’s behaviour is creating unnecessary tension around him.

“The bicycle incident is just the tip of the iceberg. I’m starting to wonder: Does Mbappe still have the desire? What does he want?

“It seems like he wakes up every morning thinking, ‘I’m going to screw up.’ He can’t keep making mistakes like this,” said Riolo.

Riolo also criticised the message Mbappe’s actions could send to supporters and those around him.

“I’m not saying he has to go to every away game, but on Monday at the Stade de France, all the big names were there.

“The French football family gathered together. I’m not saying it’s mandatory, but he has the right to do something, instead of sending this ‘I don’t give a damn what you think’ message. But there’s a limit.

“Send a positive message. Come to the Stade de France: ‘No, I don’t want to.’ Stay in Madrid: ‘No, I don’t want to.’ Don’t show up outside a nightclub: ‘No, I don’t want to.’

“Go for a bike ride when Mourinho doesn’t want you to: ‘No, I don’t want to.’ Enough! You’re going too far, enough! ” Riolo added.

The criticism has now gone beyond his recent behaviour, with Riolo openly questioning Mbappe’s mental state and the influence of those around him.

“I get the impression that he’s not mentally well.” When you leave him at the World Cup, everything is fine. He’s with his friends, having a great time, projecting a fantastic image.

“Then, his obsession with the Ballon d’Or leads him to make this statement… You offend one of your friends (Ousmane Dembele), it’s a shame, but you do it.

“There was an explanation, but in reality, there isn’t one. Enough! You’re just giving your detractors more ammunition,” the journalist continued.

Riolo believes the changes surrounding Mbappe’s personal life, commercial commitments and football career may all be contributing to the situation.

He doesn’t understand why “no one in his circle is telling him this; it leads me to conclude that he’s not well,” he said.

“His personal life has changed. He has the right to be in love, but does he want something more? Football is exhausting him.

Everything that’s happening around him, the expectations, are wearing him down, especially now that he’s making such a drastic change of sponsor.

“I don’t understand how he’s handling it or who these people are who are really thinking about everything around him. I don’t understand what he’s trying to do, this attitude, this distancing from everyone,” he noted.

Riolo ultimately delivered the biggest claim of all, concluding, “Let’s not rule out a departure at the end of the season.”

Things seem to be heating up with regard to the future of wantaway Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel.

Real Madrid are one of the clubs pursuing the teenage wonderkid, who has made it clear that he does not wish to continue with the Premier League club.

Apart from Los Blancos , other top European clubs like FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain also remain keen on the English starlet.

In a major development, Sky Germany now reports that Real Madrid and Barcelona have emerged as the clubs best positioned to sign Gabriel.

The teenage attacking midfielder is understood to be giving preference to a move to Spain despite Bayern Munich intensifying their pursuit.

Real Madrid are understood to be in active negotiations with Gabriel and his camp , while his representatives continue to talk with multiple other clubs before a final decision is made.

But his preference to move to Spain gives Los Blancos an advantage, along with Barcelona.

However, there could be some issues in the deal going through smoothly because of the financial aspects of the operation.

According to the German outlet, the total package to sign Gabriel, including transfer fees, wages, and bonus payments, among others, could end up costing in excess of €10-15 million.

Previous reports suggested that Manchester United would seek a training compensation of €300,000, while the player’s camp was said to be seeking a seven-figure salary.

But, if the aforementioned report is to be believed, the total cost of the operation seems to be coming out much higher at around €10-15 million.

Such a figure for a player who has just turned 16 a week ago could be seen as excessive despite the potential and talent he possesses.

It will be interesting to see how things evolve in this transfer saga as Gabriel remains determined to leave Manchester United and is angling a move to Spain, putting Real Madrid and Barcelona in the driving seat.