Real Madrid announced on Wednesday that Kylian Mbappe has sustained a knee sprain, posing a significant challenge to their efforts to catch up with La Liga leaders Barcelona.
“After the tests carried out
today on our player Kylian Mbappe by Real Madrid’s medical services, he was diagnosed with a sprain in his left knee. Awaiting evolution,” the club said in a statement.
How Long Will Mbappe Be Out With Injury?
Real Madrid did not specify the duration of the 27-year-old striker’s absence, but a source close to the French superstar informed AFP that he would be out for at least three weeks.
Mbappe is thus highly doubtful for Sunday’s league match at home against Real Betis, which will be Los Merengues’ first game after the winter break as they trail Barcelona by four points.
He might also miss the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against rivals Atletico Madrid in Saudi Arabia on January 8, along with a league match against Levante and a Champions League encounter with his former club Monaco.
Mbappe has had an outstanding 2025, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals in a calendar year, and has often been a key player for Real Madrid, alleviating some pressure on coach Xabi Alonso.
The news arrived just days after a moment that seemed to highlight everything going right. Kylian Mbappe had just enjoyed what many would call a perfect birthday night at the Santiago Bernabeu, celebrating his 27th by playing a crucial role in Real Madrid’s 2–0 win over Sevilla. Jude Bellingham had earlier broken the deadlock before the match swung further in Madrid’s favour when Sevilla defender Marcao was sent off for a poorly timed tackle on the England international.
As the contest approached its closing stages, Madrid were given the chance to seal the result from the penalty spot. Juanlu Sanchez brought down Rodrygo inside the area, and Mbappe took responsibility with four minutes of regulation time remaining. Showing his trademark composure, he sent Odysseas Vlachodimos the wrong way to double Madrid’s lead. The goal held added significance, taking Mbappe to 59 club goals in the calendar year, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable 2013 record — a figure long considered unattainable at the club.
The French forward marked the occasion with Ronaldo’s famous ‘Siu’ celebration, a gesture both personal and symbolic. In his post-match comments, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Mbappe openly discussed what the moment meant to him and his enduring admiration for the Portuguese legend.
Mbappe said: “It’s incredible, in my first [full] year to be able to do what Cristiano did. [He’s] my idol, the best player in Real Madrid’s history. The celebration is for him. I wanted to give him a shout-out because he’s always been good to me, he’s helped me adapt to Madrid, and now it’s great to help Madrid win games. Today I wanted to share that with him. I have a very good relationship with him, he’s my friend now, and I send my best wishes to him and all Madrid fans, and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It’s a special day because it’s [also] my birthday. I’ve always said since I was little that it’s a dream to play a professional match on my birthday, and even more so for my dream team. The goal was to finish the year with a win.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
