Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe lands in controversy after fans spot shisha pipe in background as he pays visit to Achraf Hakimi
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has landed in controversy after eagle-eyed fans spotted a shisha pipe in a photo posted by the Frenchman with ex-teammate Achraf Hakimi. After a poor run of form for Los Blancos, Mbappe was left out of the French squad for the international break by Didier Deschamps.
Real Madrid were able to secure the services of Mbappe in July 2024 after years of speculation. However, he has been underwhelming for Carlo Ancelotti's side so far. In 16 games across competitions this season, the former Paris Saint-Germain superstar has scored just eight goals and laid out two assists.
He is going through a goal drought of four games, having last scored in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Celta Vigo on October 19. On the other hand, his strike partner Vinicius Jr. has been firing on all cylinders with 12 goals and seven assists in 17 games across competitions.
After being left out of the French squad for November's UEFA Nations League games, Kylian Mbappe took to Instagram on Wednesday, November 12, to share photos from his recent union with Achraf Hakimi and Arnau Tenas. In one of the photos, fans spotted a shisha pipe in the background.
While there is nothing to suggest that the pipe belongs to Kylian Mbappe or that he used it, Real Madrid fans have utilized the opportunity to slam the French superstar for his poor run of form.
Other photos show the Frenchman enjoying a game of padel with Achraf Hakimi and Arnau Tenas. Madridistas will hope that the 25-year-old ends his goal drought after the international break when Real Madrid face Leganes in LaLiga on November 24.
Robert Pires offers his opinion on the relationship between Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe and Didier Deschamps
Former French midfielder Robert Pires dismissed rumors of a potential rift between French manager Didier Deschamps and captain Kylian Mbappe. The 1998 World Cup winner believed that Mbappe was given a break by Deschamps to gain his form back.
Pires told the media (via MARCA):
"There is no conflict between Mbappé and Deschamps. Mbappé is simply not showing his usual level of performance at the moment, and Deschamps informed him over the phone that he would not be called up to the national team. Mbappé is a very important player for France, and in my opinion, giving him a break right now is not a problem or a crisis."
Les Bleus will face Israel (November 14) and Italy (November 17) as part of their UEFA Nations League group-stage fixtures. They are currently second in their group with nine points. Luciano Spalletti's Italy lead the group with 10 points.