Key Takeaways:
- Reports have emerged that Real Madrid’s medical team examined the wrong knee of Kylian Mbappe during tests in December
- Mbappe returned to action for Real Madrid before the international break after being sidelined for three weeks with a knee issue
- The French international travelled to France for a second opinion, which clarified the true nature of his injury
Timeline of Mbappe’s Knee Injury and Misdiagnosis
Prior to the international break, Kylian Mbappe made his comeback for Real Madrid after a three-week absence due to a persistent knee problem. The French striker, aged 27, had experienced difficulties with the injury for a couple of months, necessitating periods on the sidelines in both December and February. Despite these setbacks, he now appears to be fully fit.
Throughout his recovery, Mbappe underwent a series of medical assessments at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training centre. Although initial evaluations suggested the injury was not severe, he ultimately travelled to France to seek a second opinion, which provided him with clarity regarding his condition.
🚨 Kylian Mbappé underwent an MRI scan after his injury on December 7th.
When the scan of his knees showed up on the Real Madrid doctors' computer, they looked at the images of his right knee, and decided they see nothing wrong, and told him he can keep playing with no worries.… pic.twitter.com/3gaUs9QsIz
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) March 24, 2026
Allegations of Medical Malpractice at Real Madrid
According to journalist Daniel Riolo, Mbappe was dissatisfied with Real Madrid’s handling of his injury, despite recently making statements to the contrary. Riolo reported that the medical personnel at the Valdebebas facility examined the wrong knee during their assessment of the French international.
“He had a bad diagnosis in Madrid, he visibly did not like it and was even angry. What is said in the ‘authorised circles’ is that the mistake was absolutely huge. It is said that at Real Madrid they examined the wrong knee. For Real Madrid, it is a total shame what has happened. I think we have avoided the worst for Mbappé.”
Context and Reaction at the Club
Further reporting from The Athletic indicates that this episode of misdiagnosis occurred in December. Following Real Madrid’s initial medical evaluation, which revealed no apparent issue, Mbappe continued to participate in three further matches before discovering the error committed by the club’s medical staff.
While Real Madrid are undoubtedly relieved that Mbappe has returned to action, ongoing reports about the club’s medical team are a source of concern. The department has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, and this incident has heightened apprehension regarding their handling of player injuries.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| December | Initial Injury & Tests | Mbappe receives assessments at Valdebebas; medical team examines wrong knee. |
| Following December Tests | Continued Play | Mbappe features in three additional matches post-misdiagnosis. |
| February | Second Layoff | Mbappe stops again due to persistent knee problem. |
| Pre-International Break | Return | Mbappe returns to full fitness following clarification in France. |
