Kylian Mbappe, often hailed as one of football’s brightest stars, has been lauded by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti for his selflessness amid criticism.
Following Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Getafe in La Liga, the French forward faced backlash from Spanish program El Chiringuito, which labeled him a “coward” for stepping aside and letting Jude Bellingham take a penalty.
Mbappe, 25, had missed a Champions League spot kick against Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher earlier in the week but chose to prioritize the team over personal redemption. Bellingham converted the penalty with ease, continuing his stellar form with three consecutive La Liga goals.
Ancelotti, however, rebuffed the “coward” narrative.
“Getafe’s penalty can be analysed in two ways,” the Real Madrid boss said (reported by 90min). “Someone sees it as an act of insecurity and we see it as an act of responsibility and altruism. These are two important things for us.
“The altruism of a great talent like Mbappe is an act that we value very much because it means that the one who could be the greatest talent in football is putting himself at the service of the team.
“For me it is not a lack of courage but an important act for his teammates. Everyone at the club values it as an act of altruism. That means he is on the right path. I value it very much.”
