Kylian Mbappe out petition explodes past 12 million as Madrid crisis deepens

An online campaign calling for Kylian Mbappe to be sold by Real Madrid has surged beyond 12 million signatures, amplifying tensions around the club during a decisive stretch of the season and raising fresh questions about the forward’s relationship with supporters and teammates.

The petition, driven by the viral “Mbappe out” movement, gained traction rapidly after images emerged of the French forward vacationing in Sardinia with Spanish actress Ester Exposito.

The timing of the trip, as Madrid navigate a potentially trophyless campaign, has been widely criticised by supporters who expected visible commitment during a critical period.

What began as a modest target of 200,000 signatures quickly escalated into a digital phenomenon. Within hours of its launch, the campaign crossed one million supporters before continuing its exponential rise into eight figures by midweek.

Organisers urged fans to “make your voice heard” and push for change at the club, tapping into a growing wave of frustration among sections of the fanbase.

Despite the staggering numbers, the legitimacy of the petition remains uncertain. It is hosted on a basic AI-powered website with no verification mechanism, allowing unlimited submissions without identity checks. This has made it impossible to independently confirm the authenticity of the signatures, even as the narrative gains momentum across social media platforms.

Nonetheless, the reaction online reflects genuine unrest. On X, supporters have flooded timelines with calls for Mbappe’s departure, often using the phrase “Fuera” alongside images of the player. British media reports suggest the scale of the backlash is the most severe directed at a Madrid player since the difficult final years of Gareth Bale at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The controversy has not been confined to supporters alone. According to L’Équipe, elements within the Madrid dressing room have also expressed concern over Mbappe’s conduct, particularly his decision to be publicly seen on holiday during a sensitive phase of the campaign. The perception of poor timing has reportedly irritated figures within the squad striving to maintain focus.

Attention now turns to the looming El Clasico against FC Barcelona on May 10, a fixture that could define Madrid’s season. Defeat would all but confirm a second consecutive year without major silverware, while simultaneously handing their fiercest rivals the La Liga title in front of their home supporters.

Beyond the immediate backlash, reports suggest underlying tensions have been building for months. Spanish outlet Marca claims concerns have grown at the club’s Valdebebas training base regarding Mbappe’s integration within the squad.

The forward is said to keep a close circle, largely limited to French teammates, while drawing criticism for tardiness to team activities.

His behaviour during matches has also come under scrutiny. Following a recent injury against Real Betis, Mbappe reportedly left the pitch visibly frustrated and offered a cold response to head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, declining to elaborate on his physical condition. Such incidents have contributed to a perception of detachment at a time when unity is essential.

Further intrigue followed his social media activity, where he briefly liked a post linking Jose Mourinho to the Madrid job. Arbeloa dismissed the episode with sarcasm, insisting he was unconcerned by the player’s online interactions.

Despite the mounting scrutiny, Mbappe returned to training on May 5 as Madrid prepare for their final fixtures. His availability for El Clásico remains unclear, but the broader issue now extends beyond team selection.