"If the Spanish Don’t Want Him, Send Him Back": Kylian Mbappé's Critics at Real Madrid Urged to End "Exaggerated" Backlash

Football figures defend Kylian Mbappé against "exaggerated" criticism at Real Madrid, suggesting he would be welcomed back in France if Spain doesn't want him.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 25, 2026, 7:12 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Goal

Defending the French Superstar

The narrative surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s transition to Real Madrid has taken a defensive turn as former players and analysts speak out against what they describe as unfair treatment. Despite contributing goals and assists since his blockbuster move from Paris Saint-Germain, the French international has faced persistent criticism from segments of the Spanish media and fanbase regarding his tactical fit and work rate. Supporters of the forward argue that the expectations placed upon him are reaching unrealistic levels, ignoring the natural adjustment period required for any player joining a new league.

Calls for Perspective and Patience

Prominent figures within French football have been particularly vocal, suggesting that the backlash in Madrid is disconnected from the reality of Mbappé's output. The sentiment "if the Spanish don't want him, send him back" has gained traction as a way to highlight that the 25-year-old remains one of the world's most coveted assets. Advocates for Mbappé point out that even during a perceived "dip" in form, his statistical contributions remain among the elite in La Liga, and the fixation on his every minor error is increasingly seen as a targeted campaign rather than objective analysis.

The Complexity of the Real Madrid "Galactico" Era

Joining Real Madrid as a "Galactico" carries a unique level of pressure, where anything less than perfection is often met with hostility. Analysts suggest that Mbappé is currently navigating the same hyper-critical environment that once targeted legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. The challenge for manager Carlo Ancelotti has been balancing a star-studded frontline, a process that inherently takes time to refine. Critics of the critics argue that blaming Mbappé for collective tactical imbalances is a reductionist view of the team’s current evolution.