Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe will not travel to Charlotte for Sunday’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup clash against Pachuca, a club source told AFP on Saturday.
The French superstar was hospitalised on Thursday with gastroenteritis but has since been discharged. Although his condition is improving “bit by bit,” according to the club source, he will not be part of the squad for Madrid’s crucial group match against the Mexican champions.
Mbappe, 26, also missed Los Blancos’ opening game, a 1-1 draw with Al-Hilal, due to the same illness, in what marked Xabi Alonso’s debut as head coach.
In Mbappe’s absence, 21-year-old Real Madrid B-team forward Gonzalo Garcia stepped up and scored in the draw against the Saudi side.
Despite finishing his debut season at Madrid as the European Golden Shoe winner with 31 La Liga goals and 43 in all competitions, Mbappe’s brilliance was not enough to secure any major silverware for the club last season.
Anthony Nlebem
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
