Former Paris Saint-Germain winger Jérôme Rothen has criticised Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid, branding the transfer a “resounding failure” despite the French forward’s impressive numbers in his debut season in Spain.
Mbappé, who has Cameroonian and Algerian roots, joined Real Madrid as a free agent last summer after years of speculation.
Since his arrival, he has scored 32 goals and provided four assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, making him the club’s leading scorer this season.
Real Madrid remain on course for a domestic double, with La Liga and the Copa del Rey still within reach.
However, Rothen, speaking on RMC Radio, believes the move has not lived up to expectations, particularly following Madrid’s recent Champions League elimination at the hands of Arsenal.
“People are talking about Kylian Mbappé,” Rothen said. “He arrived at his dream club with the ambition of winning every trophy, including the Champions League, and also of being among the best players in the world and winning the Ballon d’Or.”
“Collectively and individually, he is a failure. He will not win the Ballon d’Or this year. He is a resounding failure.”
Rothen argued that while adaptation to a new league could be used as an early excuse, Mbappé’s level of influence in crucial games has been underwhelming.
“At the start of the season, mitigating factors were found. He could have had time to adapt, but when you’re Mbappé, the adaptation time is shorter,” he added. “He scored a lot of goals, but in the game he’s catastrophic.”
Meanwhile, PSG—Mbappé’s former club—have already clinched the Ligue 1 title and are preparing to face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
With Barcelona leading the La Liga race, Madrid’s European exit and domestic uncertainty raise questions over whether Mbappé’s high-profile move has delivered on its promise.
