Spanish press turn on Kylian Mbappe after Real Madrid debut as questions emerge

Kylian Mbappe is already feeling the pressure from the Spanish press after going two games for Real Madrid without scoring a La Liga goal. Mbappe – who signed for Los Blancos on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain this summer after several years of anticipation – has failed to light it up in Spain as of yet.

The 25-year-old Frenchman made his home debut for the Spanish and European champions on Sunday night. Some 85,000 fans had turned up to the Santiago Bernabeu with two things on their minds – a win and Mbappe’s first goal of the campaign.

Of course, the forward already netted in his full debut in the UEFA Super Cup, though a La Liga match in front of the Real Madrid home support is a different thing entirely. But his goal did not come despite a 3-0 victory, with the fans instead witnessing a disappointing showing from a player now expected to win the Ballon d’Or.

Mbappe struggled to play in tight spaces and missed both of his big chances to score. To make matters worse, his replacement – 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Endrick – found the net in thunderous fashion within minutes of coming on.

Two games without a goal would have felt like an age for Mbappe, who scored 256 in 308 appearances for PSG. And it appears the press too are beginning to scrutinise his disappointing performances, even claiming that his big night was overshadowed by Endrick.

As Spanish outlet Marca put it: “Mbappe tried, but couldn’t score at the Bernabeu. Endrick stole the show,” while AS wrote: “It was Mbappe’s party, but Endrick stole the spotlight.” Antena 3 Deportes called his debut at the Bernabeu: “Poor and sloppy.”

A columnist for Cadena SER added insult to injury, saying: “Players, whatever their name and status, must move.” Another who has already lost patience is former Real Madrid player and adviser Alvarao Benito, who said: “Mbappé is not that player who makes the difference when he has the ball in front of him. Vinicius, Mbappé, Rodrigo… I don’t know, for me there’s one too many.”

Despite the external noise, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez remains unconcerned. The legendary Los Blancos boss – who has overseen a record seven Champions League titles – believes it is only a matter of time before his blockbuster signing shows his greatness.

He went down to greet the players in his usual fashion after the match, sharing a brief conversation with Mbappe. Perez reportedly encouraged the 2018 World Cup winner, telling him: “You’ll get it next time for sure. You were very close to scoring several times today.”