Real Madrid’s struggles continued with their 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club on Wednesday, and tensions between star players Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé became apparent in the aftermath. The loss at San Mamés highlighted the team’s ongoing inconsistency, with both players visibly frustrated as the pressure mounts on Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
A Strained Partnership
Bellingham, 21, and Mbappé, 25, both featured prominently in the match. Despite Bellingham’s crucial equalizer in the 78th minute, Real Madrid fell short due to a lackluster overall performance. Mbappé, in particular, has faced growing criticism since his high-profile arrival from PSG in June 2024. His inability to meet the lofty expectations placed on him has strained relationships within the team, with Bellingham’s visible frustration on the pitch reflecting this tension.
A specific moment in the game epitomized their disconnect. Mbappé, attempting to take on multiple defenders, lost possession, leading to a visibly irritated Bellingham turning away and shouting in frustration. This incident fueled speculation about cracks in their relationship, especially as scrutiny of Mbappé’s form intensifies.
Underwhelming Start for Mbappé
Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid was one of the most anticipated transfers in recent memory. However, his debut season has been marred by inconsistent performances. Despite scoring 10 goals, he has failed to deliver in critical moments. His penalty miss against Athletic Club’s Julen Agirrezabala came just weeks after another missed penalty against Liverpool in the Champions League. These setbacks have not only dented his confidence but also seemingly undermined the trust of his teammates, including Bellingham.
Last weekend, in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Getafe, Bellingham was given penalty-taking duties—a decision that further underscored the shift in responsibilities and perhaps the diminishing faith in Mbappé’s ability to handle high-pressure situations.
A Team in Turmoil
Real Madrid’s recent performances have been far from their usual high standards. The loss to Athletic Club followed a string of disappointing results in both domestic and European competitions. Their 4-0 humiliation by Barcelona in October and three Champions League defeats have left fans and pundits questioning the team’s cohesion and mentality.
The frustrations between Bellingham and Mbappé are emblematic of deeper issues within the squad. Emmanuel Petit, the former France international, recently commented on Mbappé’s apparent isolation at Real Madrid. He noted that Mbappé appears “lonely” at the club, suggesting that the French star has struggled to integrate into the team’s dynamics.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
With Madrid now four points behind league leaders Barcelona and their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, Ancelotti faces the monumental task of restoring harmony and form. Rebuilding the relationship between Bellingham and Mbappé will be crucial. Both players are central to Real Madrid’s ambitions, and their ability to work together effectively could define the remainder of the season.
For Mbappé, silencing his critics will require more than just stats—it will demand consistent, game-changing performances that justify his status as one of the world’s best players. Meanwhile, Bellingham, who has been a standout performer since joining Madrid, must channel his frustrations productively to continue leading by example.