Brazilian teenage sensation Endrick has publicly defended teammate Kylian Mbappe as criticism surrounding the French superstar intensifies following Real Madrid’s disappointing end to the European campaign.
The atmosphere around the Santiago Bernabeu has become increasingly tense after Madrid’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League, a setback that effectively ended the club’s hopes of securing major silverware this season. Mbappe, who arrived in the Spanish capital amid enormous expectations, has found himself at the centre of mounting frustration from supporters and sections of the Spanish media.
The situation worsened after reports emerged that the France captain spent time vacationing on a luxury yacht shortly after Madrid’s European exit. Many supporters viewed the timing of the holiday as insensitive, particularly during a period of disappointment and unrest among fans desperate for success.
Despite the criticism, Endrick has moved quickly to show solidarity with the former Paris Saint-Germain forward. The young Brazilian striker, currently spending the season on loan at Olympique Lyonnais, insisted that Mbappe’s impact on the team should not be overlooked because of recent controversies.
Speaking in an interview with SoFoot, Endrick praised Mbappe’s performances and stressed that goals and contributions on the pitch remain the most important measure of a forward’s value.
According to the teenager, public criticism has overshadowed the Frenchman’s productivity in front of goal. Endrick stated that he pays little attention to outside opinions and hopes Mbappe can finish the campaign strongly, including competing again for Europe’s top scoring honours.
Mbappe’s debut season at Real Madrid has been filled with intense scrutiny from virtually every direction. While his goal tally remains impressive, critics have questioned whether the tactical structure of the team has suffered since his arrival.
Some supporters believe the balance within the squad has changed, particularly regarding the attacking partnership between Mbappe and Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior. Questions have also been raised about Madrid’s defensive organisation and overall chemistry in high pressure matches.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa has equally faced criticism over the team’s performances, with analysts debating whether the current system is effectively utilizing the abundance of attacking talent available in the squad.
The tension surrounding Mbappe has now expanded beyond football discussions into a wider public relations issue for the club. Reports circulating in Spain claim that an online petition demanding the striker’s exit has attracted significant attention from frustrated supporters.
The development reflects the dramatic shift in sentiment surrounding a player who was once regarded as Real Madrid’s dream signing after years of transfer speculation. Mbappe’s arrival had initially been celebrated as the beginning of a new era at the Bernabeu, but recent struggles have quickly changed the mood among sections of the fan base.
With the highly anticipated El Clasico showdown against Barcelona approaching, pressure is mounting on Mbappe to deliver a defining performance that could help restore confidence among supporters.
Spanish media reports suggest that many fans now view the upcoming clash as a critical moment in the French forward’s season. A strong display against Barcelona could help shift attention back to his footballing qualities and ease growing concerns about his relationship with the Madrid faithful.
Meanwhile, another controversy recently emerged involving reports of tension inside the Real Madrid dressing room. Social media discussions intensified after footage appeared to show Mbappe smiling during training amid speculation of a disagreement between midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde.
However, Arbeloa strongly dismissed suggestions of division within the squad. The Madrid coach described the claims as exaggerated interpretations designed to create unnecessary drama around the team.
According to Arbeloa, the atmosphere inside the dressing room remains united despite external narratives attempting to portray instability. He insisted that players are fully focused on finishing the season strongly and responding positively to recent disappointments.
For Mbappe, the coming weeks may prove decisive in shaping perceptions of his first season in Spain. While criticism continues to grow, support from younger teammates such as Endrick highlights the respect he still commands within the squad.
As Real Madrid prepare for one of the biggest fixtures of their campaign, all eyes will remain fixed on Mbappe to see whether he can silence critics and remind supporters why the club fought so hard for years to bring him to the Bernabeu.
