Key Takeaways:
- Kylian Mbappe was introduced in the 69th minute as Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo
- Mbappe stated he is now fourth in the striker pecking order behind Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono
- Real Madrid supporters expressed their dissatisfaction by whistling at Mbappe during his substitution and displaying critical banners targeting club president Florentino Perez
Selection Decisions and Mbappe’s Place in the Squad
Kylian Mbappe revealed he perceives himself as the fourth-choice striker at Real Madrid after being left out of the starting line-up during Thursday’s 2-0 win against Real Oviedo at the Santiago Bernabeu. Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, and Franco Mastantuono all started in attack ahead of the French international, who has netted 41 goals in 41 appearances this season.
Mbappe, 27, had missed the previous two matches due to a thigh injury, including Real’s defeat to Barcelona on Sunday – a result that saw their rivals clinch the La Liga title. Upon returning, his introduction from the bench was met with notable disapproval from sections of the home fans as he entered the pitch in the 69th minute.
🚨 Kylian Mbappé: "I was ready to START, but the coach told me I'm the 4th ATTACKER in the squad.
You always have to respect the coach's decision." pic.twitter.com/KEnR9zJsxj
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 14, 2026
Managerial Rationale and Public Reactions
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa defended his decision not to start Mbappe, citing the player’s recent injury absence. Arbeloa said, “I had a conversation with him before the game and I don’t know what he could have interpreted. For me it is very clear that a player who four days ago could not be on the bench, today should not start. Especially because it’s not a final, it’s not a game of life or death.”
Despite this, Mbappe expressed willingness to start and emphasised that manager decisions must be respected. He stated, “I’m 100% fine,” adding, “I haven’t played because for the coach I’ve been the fourth striker in the squad behind Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo.” He continued, “I have no problem at all with Arbeloa. You have to accept the coach’s philosophy and I have to do better to play ahead of Vini, Gonzalo and Mastantuono.”
Friction with Fans and Club Leadership
Mbappe’s relationship with the Madrid supporters has come under strain in recent weeks due to speculation surrounding his commitment. An online petition titled ‘Mbappe Out’ drew tens of millions of signatures. The tension increased further after images surfaced of Mbappe on a yacht in Sardinia, reflecting a period where the player had been given time off to recover from injury, while Real Madrid played against Espanyol.
The dissatisfaction spilled over during Thursday’s fixture with stewards removing a banner which read “Florentino go now” – a clear message aimed at club president Florentino Perez. Earlier in the week, Perez addressed the media in a rare press conference, forcefully criticising those he claimed were undermining the club.
Match Overview and Fan Atmosphere
The match itself saw Real Madrid take the lead just before half-time through Gonzalo Garcia, with Jude Bellingham sealing the result with a late goal. Oviedo, already relegated, failed to threaten. In addition to the jeers directed at Mbappe, there were also moments of celebration from the stands in response to Madrid’s goals.
Reflecting on the situation, Mbappe remarked, “The whistles… that’s life, you can’t change the opinion of the people when they are angry. It’s the life of a Real Madrid player and a famous player like me. Footballers don’t always have to understand, they have to accept and look forward and change the situation.”
