Mbappé’s Sudden Illness Sidelined Real Madrid’s Superstar at the Worst Possible Time
Just before Real Madrid’s highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup campaign, talk shifted from match predictions to concern for Kylian Mbappé. The French ace, meant to lead Los Blancos, was stopped short by a severe bout of acute gastroenteritis. This wasn’t just a mild stomach bug—Mbappé was rushed to a hospital in Florida, where the team had set up camp. He missed precious training sessions, lost a startling 5 kilograms (around 11 pounds), and his spot on the team sheet vanished overnight. It all unfolded so fast, fans barely had time to process it before seeing images of a noticeably thinner Mbappé circulate online.
The worry isn’t just about a temporary absence or some missed games. Reports painted a stark picture when Mbappé’s significant weight loss became public. Recovery from gastroenteritis can already zap energy, but for an elite athlete whose strength and speed are everything, this kind of setback is brutal. Photos of him back in training, looking far from his usual self, reminded everyone how hard bouncing back in professional football can really be.
Real Madrid Faces the Club World Cup Without Their Main Man—But the Show Goes On
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid’s manager, tried to keep spirits up. He confirmed Mbappé had been discharged from hospital just two days before Madrid’s clash with Pachuca, but ruled out any immediate return for the forward. Spanish press, especially Marca, didn’t sugarcoat it: Mbappé was clearly not match-fit, and though there was footage of him jogging and doing basic drills, he looked leaner, altered. Social media went into overdrive, and some fans drew comparisons to the recent physical struggles faced by Vinicius Jr.
With three straight matches missed—Al-Hilal, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg—Madrid found itself facing a real attacking dilemma. The gap was filled by up-and-comer Gonzalo García, who stepped onto the big stage with all eyes on him. Madrid’s offense lacked its usual flair, but García’s energy and work rate helped Los Blancos cling to their narrow lead in the group. They sit just one point clear, which means every goal and every decision matters now.
The question now is whether Mbappé can return in time to make an impact later in the tournament. Fans are crossing their fingers and watching for any sign of a full recovery. For now, though, it’s Garcia’s moment in the spotlight, while Real Madrid tries to steady the ship without their most explosive player. It’s a tense time for everyone who thought this Club World Cup would be Mbappé’s international showcase. Instead, the headlines are all about his fight to recover—and what it means for Madrid’s hopes of lifting the trophy.
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