What is going on with Kylian Mbappé? It’s a hot topic in football-loving France and has sparked the wildest theories. Former World Cup champion Emmanuel Petit even believes that the star forward of Real Madrid is cursed.
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Kylian Mbappé’s recent performances have sparked an intense debate in the football world, particularly in France, where the superstar’s form or lack thereof has become a hot topic.
The latest chapter in this discussion unfolded after Real Madrid’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, a match in which Mbappé struggled to make an impact and even missed a penalty. This marked a low point in what some are calling a "form crisis" for the French forward, and the aftermath has been dominated by opinions and theories from pundits, fans, and even former players.
Among the many voices analyzing Mbappé’s struggles, Emmanuel Petit’s remarks stand out as particularly sensational. Speaking on RMC Sport, the former French international and World Cup winner claimed that Mbappé might be cursed. "I truly believe that," Petit said, surprising his fellow panelists. "You don’t believe in that kind of thing, but I do." While Petit admitted he had no concrete evidence or suspects, he did joke about Paul Pogba potentially being involved, referencing past allegations involving the Juventus midfielder and his brother, Mathias.
This theory, as outlandish as it may seem, draws on a real controversy that erupted in 2022. Mathias Pogba accused his brother Paul of hiring a witch doctor to curse Mbappé, a claim that sent shockwaves through the French national team. Although the witch doctor later denied casting any curse on the PSG star, the episode left a cloud of suspicion and drama surrounding the players involved. Petit's comments have reignited this bizarre narrative, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Mbappé’s current struggles.
While some, like Petit, attribute Mbappé’s downturn to external factors, others believe the problem lies within. Jérôme Rothen, another analyst on RMC Sport, was more critical of the player himself. "Since the World Cup in Qatar, I’ve noticed a certain decline in Mbappé," Rothen said. "Not in his statistics he still scores plenty but in his overall involvement and presence on the pitch. He doesn’t demand enough of himself anymore. He’s not involved enough in the game and hasn’t made a difference in the Champions League for months. What did he show yesterday in a big match? He’s become an ordinary player."
This scathing critique from Rothen reflects a growing sentiment among fans and pundits who have followed Mbappé’s career closely. Once seen as the next global icon of football, capable of taking the mantle from the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappé’s recent performances have raised questions about his trajectory. For a player of his caliber and reputation, the inability to influence games at the highest level is seen as concerning.
The French media, always passionate and often harsh when it comes to their football heroes, has been relentless in its coverage of Mbappé’s form. L'Équipe, the country’s most prominent sports newspaper, dedicated its front page to the issue. The cover features Mbappé with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, head coach Carlo Ancelotti, and French national team manager Didier Deschamps looming in the background. The headline poses a pointed question: "Who will save his career?" It’s a dramatic framing that underscores the seriousness with which this so-called crisis is being viewed.
Even legendary figures in football have weighed in. Michel Platini, a three-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of France’s most celebrated players, shared his thoughts with L'Équipe. "He looks lost on the pitch," Platini observed. "A champion must rise from the ashes. Only then will Kylian Mbappé be a true champion." Platini’s comments highlight a broader concern that Mbappé, despite his immense talent, has yet to fully realize his potential as a leader and game-changer in the biggest moments.
The situation has led to a broader conversation about Mbappé’s environment and how it might be affecting his performances. Critics have questioned whether his move to Real Madrid has added undue pressure or whether the expectations placed on him, both in club and international football, have become too heavy to bear. Others point to tactical issues, suggesting that Mbappé may not be utilized in a way that maximizes his strengths, both at Real Madrid and with the French national team.
Whatever the root cause, the current narrative surrounding Mbappé is a stark contrast to the optimism and excitement that defined his rise to stardom. At just 25 years old, he has already achieved more than most players could dream of, including a World Cup title. Yet, the pressure to consistently perform at an elite level and to do so while shouldering the expectations of an entire nation—has proven to be an immense challenge.
As the debates and theories continue to swirl, one thing is certain: the spotlight on Kylian Mbappé will only grow brighter. Whether he can silence his critics and reclaim his status as one of the game’s greatest players remains to be seen, but for now, the questions about his form and future show no signs of going away.
