Mbappé Exit Talk Grows as Real Madrid Criticism Intensifies

Criticism of Kylian Mbappé’s conduct and situation at Real Madrid is intensifying in France, with MARCA reporting on 8 October that L’Équipe and RMC Sport journalist Daniel Riolo have raised concerns about his communication and future at the club. Separately, Transfermarkt reported on 7 October that Paris Saint-Germain are interested in Manchester City attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki, though neither a Madrid departure nor a move for Cherki is confirmed. Mbappé’s public comments and role at Real Madrid have also drawn attention in recent weeks, adding to the scrutiny around his place in the side.

Why criticism of Mbappé is growing

MARCA’s report describes growing concern in France over Mbappé’s situation at Real Madrid. It says L’Équipe views his attitude as overly individualistic and his handling of public communication as a source of increasing unease around the club. Those are assessments reported by the French newspaper, not an established account of Real Madrid’s internal position.

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His return to training a day earlier than expected did not, according to MARCA, settle the criticism. The report says his Paris nightlife outing and subsequent bicycle ride in Switzerland were seen by some Madrid supporters and Spanish media as unprofessional while he was recovering from a knee injury. It also notes that Mbappé has scored 94 goals in 111 appearances for Los Blancos without winning a title with the club.

The debate comes against a backdrop of high expectations around his Madrid spell. Mbappé has spoken about his ambitions with the club, and the gap between those ambitions and the absence of silverware has formed part of the wider conversation about his start at the Bernabéu.

PSG interest in Cherki remains a separate story

Transfermarkt’s report places PSG’s interest in Cherki alongside speculation about the forward’s future at Manchester City. It describes him as a standout performer since his move from Lyon and suggests PSG could look to take advantage if City face punishments. The report does not establish that any sanctions have been imposed, or that PSG have made a bid.

Rayan Cherki during a match for France against Senegal. – Photo: Bryan Berlin / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Transfermarkt lists Cherki’s market value at €110 million, but that figure is an estimate, not a reported asking price or agreed fee. Nor is there confirmation that the player wants to return to Ligue 1. PSG’s recruitment activity has included other reported interest in attacking players, but the Cherki link remains a possibility rather than a developing deal.

Riolo raises the possibility of a Madrid exit

Riolo, speaking on RMC Sport’s After Foot, said an end-of-season departure from Real Madrid should not be ruled out. His forecast is commentary, not evidence that Mbappé has asked to leave or that the club is considering a sale. The criticism described by MARCA centres on conduct, communication and a perceived distance from the club environment, as well as concern that personal ambitions are taking precedence.

Riolo also argued that Mbappé’s public messaging was giving his detractors further material. That remains the journalist’s interpretation of the situation; the available reporting does not establish Mbappé’s private intentions or state of mind. His Champions League ambitions at Madrid remain part of the context against which those reports are being discussed.

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The immediate football focus is Mbappé’s return to training after his knee issue. Beyond that, Riolo’s prediction leaves the question of his future open, but does not confirm a transfer plan. For Cherki, Transfermarkt identifies Manchester City’s situation and any decision by PSG to pursue their interest as factors to watch; the winter window is due to reopen on 1 January 2027.

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