Kylian Mbappe Denies Reports of Real Madrid's Wrong Leg Examination
French football superstar Kylian Mbappe has firmly denied recent media reports that claimed Real Madrid conducted an incorrect medical examination of his knee injury late last year. The controversy emerged after the soccer show "After Foot" on French broadcaster RMC Sport reported this week that the Spanish club had initially scanned Mbappe's right knee instead of his left one in December.
Media Reports and Mbappe's Response
Several Spanish media outlets picked up the story, nearly all citing RMC Sport as their source. However, Mbappe addressed these claims directly on Wednesday while on international duty with France, as the team prepares for a friendly match against Brazil. The forward stated unequivocally, "The information that [Madrid] examined the wrong knee is not true."
Mbappe acknowledged that he might bear some indirect responsibility for the confusion, explaining, "Perhaps I bear some indirect responsibility for the situation, because when you don't communicate about what you have and what is going on, it leaves the door open to interpretation, and everyone is rushing to fill in the blanks."
Injury Timeline and Recovery Process
The injury saga began when Mbappe first suffered the knee problem during a match against Celta Vigo on December 7. Despite the discomfort, he went on to play three more games for Real Madrid before the end of 2025 - against Alavés, Talavera, and Sevilla. It wasn't until December 31 that Madrid released an official medical report confirming a knee sprain.
This month, Mbappe traveled to Paris to seek a second opinion, which resulted in him being sidelined for over three weeks. Throughout this period, the player emphasized that communication with Real Madrid remained clear and professional.
"Now, with Real Madrid, we've always had a communication that was quite clear," Mbappe explained. "Whether it was when I started my rehabilitation in Madrid, or when I was in Paris, where I was accompanied by the doctor, a physiotherapist and the club's physical trainer, where we worked from Paris, so there is no problem with that."
Current Status and Team Focus
Mbappe has been working his way back to full fitness, appearing as a substitute in Real Madrid's last two matches. He expressed satisfaction with his current condition, telling French media on Monday, "I'm happy now because it's truly behind me. It's all gone."
The French star also reflected on the emotional toll of the injury period, revealing, "There was a lot of frustration, a lot of anger, and then also some anxiety at one point. I had reached a stage where I didn't know what was wrong with me. I didn't go through that period in the best way. I wasn't the happiest player in the world."
Looking ahead, Mbappe emphasized the importance of team success over individual concerns. "We're in an important moment in the season. The team has been playing well without me. When I got injured, I wasn't available and people thought I was the only solution, but it wasn't like that. The important thing is the team."
International Commitments
Mbappe is currently with the French national team as they prepare for upcoming friendlies. France will face Brazil on Thursday in Foxborough and Colombia on Sunday in Landover. The forward's participation in these matches will be closely watched as he continues his return to competitive action following the knee injury.
This incident highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding high-profile athletes and the importance of clear communication between players, clubs, and medical staff. While media speculation can sometimes fill information voids, Mbappe's direct response aims to set the record straight regarding his treatment and recovery process at Real Madrid.
