Kylian Mbappé‘s arrival at Real Madrid was, without a doubt, the most anticipated signing of the last decade. A never-ending saga that finally concluded with his landing at the Santiago Bernabéu amid applause, sky-high expectations, and promises of a new galáctico era. But as of today, the reality is clear: Mbappé has not lived up to the hype. And most worryingly, his impact in truly important matches has been nearly nonexistent.
Yes, the Frenchman has registered goals and assists, but most of them came against lesser opponents: Alavés, Cádiz, Getafe… Matches without real pressure, far from the kind of fire that defines true stars. When the team has needed leadership -in Clásicos, Champions League nights, or decisive LaLiga clashes- Mbappé has gone missing. Overshadowed, and at times outperformed, by teammates like Bellingham, Vinicius, or even Rodrygo.
Is it lack of adaptation? Too much individualism? Pressure? The excuse doesn’t matter. The truth is Mbappé still plays like he’s in Paris, where the demands were far lower. Here, at Madrid, a fancy roulette or a sprint isn’t enough. You need to show up when everything is on the line, when the shirt feels twice as heavy, and when one goal can change an entire season.
Florentino brought him in to lead a winning project. But today, at Valdebebas, there are already those wondering if they signed the wrong “galáctico.” Because while others are carrying the team on their backs, Mbappé is still searching for his moment. And at Madrid, time runs faster than anywhere else in the world.
He has talent, quality, and charisma. But here, that’s not enough. It’s time for him to prove -once and for all- that he came to make history… not just to sell shirts.
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