Real Madrid turned an unconvincing first half into a clinical second, with Kylian Mbappe leading the charge as they saw off Levante, 2-0. Los Blancos were initially languid under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, but clicked into gear once the deadlock was broken, and were ultimately good value for the victory - even if some questions about individuals remain.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe is reportedly insisting that he does not want to return to action until fully fit following a knee injury, meaning the France international could be absent for Los Blancos’ match at home to Levante in La Liga this Sunday. The 27-year-old returned early to make his first appearance of 2026 as a substitute as Real lost in the final of the Supercopa de Espana 3-2 to Barcelona, but does not want to 'take any risks' on his fitness moving forward.
Real Madrid’s crisis has deepened with the news that Kylian Mbappe will miss this weekend’s crucial clash against Levante. New interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced the sacked Xabi Alonso just days ago, faces a mounting injury list as he attempts to turn around a nightmare season that has seen Los Blancos crash out of two competitions in a single week.
Sportico have released their annual highest-paid athletes list, with Cristiano Ronaldo sitting at the top of that chart. The Portuguese GOAT earned double what eternal rival Lionel Messi pulled in over the course of 2025, with the Al-Nassr forward making $260 million (£194m). There are 13 football players in the top 100, with Brazilian icon Neymar tumbling down the standings.
Alvaro Arbeloa has made a bold statement in his first squad selection as Real Madrid manager, opting to leave superstars Jude Bellingham and Thibaut Courtois at home for the Copa del Rey clash against Albacete. The new boss has turned to La Fabrica to fill the void, calling up five academy starlets to plug the gaps in a depleted squad for the crucial round of 16 tie.
The latest video from the football humour factory that is 442oons shows how Kylian Mbappe successfully orchestrated Xabi Alonso's exit from Real Madrid. Featuring cameos from Lionel Messi, Arne Slot and England boss Thomas Tuchel, watch as the French striker leads his reluctant team-mates in singing a special version of the children's nursery rhyme 'If You're Happy And You Know It'
Kylian Mbappe defied medical advice and risked a serious knee injury in a desperate bid to save Xabi Alonso’s job at Real Madrid. The French superstar played through the pain barrier in the Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, knowing that a loss would likely spell the end for the Basque coach, with whom he shared a close bond despite their short time together at the Bernabeu.
Kylian Mbappe played no part in Real Madrid’s first training session since taking the decision to part with head coach Xabi Alonso. He was relieved of his duties in the wake of a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to Barcelona, with the axe falling within 24 hours of that setback in Saudi Arabia being suffered. Reins have been passed to Alvaro Arbeloa on an interim basis, but he is not yet working with French superstar Mbappe.
The final image of Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid manager - and one that tells the story of his time in charge at the Bernabeu - was of someone else telling him what to do. After Sunday's Supercopa de Espana loss to Barcelona, Alonso gestured to his players that they should give a guard of honour to their victorious opponents as they went to collect the trophy. Kylian Mbappe, though, was having none of it, and insisted his team-mates follow his lead. They did just that - and so too did Alonso.
Kylian Mbappe was the first high-profile Real Madrid star to address Xabi Alonso’s sudden departure as the club’s manager. It was announced on January 12, less than 24 hours after a Super Cup defeat to Clasico rivals Barcelona, that a change in the dugout was being made at Santiago Bernabeu. Mbappe, who is said to have clashed with Alonso, has posted a message on social media.
Joan Laporta has launched a critique of Kylian Mbappe following the Real Madrid star's controversial refusal to engage in a guard of honour after the Spanish Super Cup final. The Barcelona president branded the Frenchman's decision to urge his team-mates to leave the pitch as "surprising" and lacking in sportsmanship. Barca beat Madrid 3-2 to claim their first trophy of 2026.
Kylian Mbappe has been accused of ensuring that Real Madrid did not give Clasico rivals Barcelona a guard of honour after seeing Los Blancos suffer an agonising 3-2 defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final. It is customary for the runners-up in that contest to pay homage to the victors, but Mbappe - who returned to action after injury in Saudi Arabia - waved his team-mates away from arch-enemies.
Real Madrid have received a massive boost ahead of the Spanish Super Cup final as manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Kylian Mbappe is flying to Saudi Arabia. The French superstar missed the semi-final victory over Atletico Madrid due to a knee issue but has trained well and is now in contention to face Barcelona in a blockbuster El Clasico showdown.
Jude Bellingham has hit back at critics regarding his goal output this season, insisting his deeper role is necessary to accommodate Kylian Mbappe’s prolific nature at Real Madrid. The England midfielder also offered staunch support for teammate Vinicius Jr, describing the Brazilian as 'electric' despite his struggles under coach Xabi Alonso.
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