Kylian Mbappé Claims Real Madrid Boss Arbeloa Told Him He Is Fourth-Choice Striker

Kylian Mbappé has claimed that Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa informed him he is currently the club’s fourth-choice striker following his omission from the starting line-up against Real Oviedo on Thursday.

The France international, who recently recovered from a left hamstring injury, was left on the bench despite insisting he was fully fit to start the Spanish league encounter.

Speaking after the match, Mbappé revealed that Arbeloa had allegedly explained the decision by ranking him behind Franco Mastantuono, Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García in the attacking pecking order.

“I’m 100 per cent fit,” Mbappé said.

“I did not play because the coach told me I am the fourth striker in the squad behind Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo. I accept it.

“I was ready to start, but it was his decision. You cannot be angry with the coach; you always have to respect the coach’s opinion. I will continue working hard and wait for my opportunity to become a starter again.”

However, Arbeloa quickly denied ever making such comments and insisted there had been a misunderstanding.

“I do not have four strikers, and I never told Mbappé anything like that,” Arbeloa said after the match.

“He probably misunderstood me. I honestly do not know what to say about it. I would never tell him he is the fourth-choice striker.”

The disagreement between player and manager marks the latest controversy in what has been a turbulent week for Real Madrid.

Earlier in the week, reports emerged of an altercation between players during training, which allegedly resulted in the club fining Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni €500,000 (£430,000/$589,000) each.

The tension intensified further after Madrid suffered a 2-0 defeat to fierce rivals Barcelona in El Clásico on Sunday, a result that confirmed Barcelona as La Liga champions.

Just days later, club president Florentino Pérez called for new elections while claiming he had become the target of an “organised campaign” aimed at removing him from office.

Mbappé was also subjected to boos from sections of the crowd at the Santiago Bernabéu after entering the match in the 68th minute as a substitute for Gonzalo García.

Despite the hostile reception, the French forward contributed an assist for Jude Bellingham, whose 79th-minute goal sealed a 2-0 victory for Madrid.

The striker has recently faced criticism from supporters who accused him of prioritising the upcoming World Cup over club football.

During his injury lay-off, Mbappé reportedly travelled to Italy with actress Ester Expósito, leading to criticism in sections of the Spanish media questioning his commitment to rehabilitation.

Mbappé, however, dismissed the controversy surrounding the trip.

“I had permission from the club to leave Madrid,” he explained.

“I was not the only one away, but these things happen and you just have to move forward. I know I can turn this situation around.”

Since arriving at Real Madrid two seasons ago in one of football’s most high-profile transfers, Mbappé has yet to fully meet expectations, with the Spanish giants still waiting to win a major trophy during his time at the club.