Kylian Mbappe’s highly anticipated move to Real Madrid is quickly turning sour, with the French forward struggling to settle into life in the Spanish capital. Once hailed as the missing piece in the Galactico project, his arrival has instead coincided with a noticeable decline in form for Alvaro Arbeloa’s team, drawing heavy criticism from fans and pundits around the world.

Frustration mounts at the Bernabeu

The honeymoon phase between Mbappe and Real Madrid supporters appears to be over. What began with excitement and optimism during his grand unveiling at the packed Santiago Bernabeu last summer has now given way to tensions and growing discontent.

As Los Blancos struggle to maintain momentum in La Liga and show signs of fragility in the Champions League, the spotlight has turned harshly on the former Paris Saint-Germain star. Many fans and analysts have started questioning his impact and commitment on the pitch.

Since Mbappe’s arrival, Arbeloa has faced tactical challenges in finding a balance that allows both the Frenchman and Vinicius Junior to thrive in the same attacking setup. This imbalance has not only disrupted the team’s defensive structure but also reduced the fluidity and understanding in the final third, prompting calls from fans for urgent tactical overhauls to rescue the season.

A digital protest of record scale

The unrest among fans has culminated in a massive online campaign demanding Mbappe’s exit, with reports indicating that the “Mbappe Out” petition has gathered nearly 70 million signatures — an extraordinary figure for any sporting controversy.

Although verifying every signature on such petitions is difficult, the sheer magnitude of the movement underscores the growing PR challenge facing both the player and the club. The campaign has gained enormous traction across social media platforms, amplified by viral clips highlighting Mbappe’s perceived lack of defensive contribution and his missed opportunities in crucial games.

What’s next for Mbappe?

Despite the uproar and the staggering number of digital signatures, Real Madrid’s management remains fully supportive of Mbappe and committed to making his tenure at the club a success. Club president Florentino Perez, who pursued the 25-year-old for years, is unlikely to consider an early exit given the financial and political implications. Nonetheless, Mbappe now faces intense pressure to justify his marquee status and silence critics through his performances.

With several key fixtures approaching, the French forward must quickly adjust his style to the demands of Spanish football and display the selfless work ethic that supporters expect from their top stars.

El Clasico on the horizon

Despite the controversy surrounding him and the massive online backlash, Mbappe is expected to start in the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona. Real Madrid are determined to delay their rivals’ title celebrations, and having their star striker fit for the clash is seen as a vital boost. Recent medical assessments have confirmed that Mbappe should be ready for action despite minor fitness concerns.

The match represents a defining moment for both Mbappe and the club. A strong performance and a victory could temporarily ease the tensions and quieten the “Kylian Mbappe Out” movement, offering Real Madrid a much-needed breather amid the ongoing storm.