Kylian Mbappe Pauses Season to Save World Cup Dream

Kylian Mbappe is battling a left knee sprain that has troubled him since December. The Real Madrid forward has paused all training after pain worsened before the Benfica match. He is consulting specialists and prefers rehabilitation over surgery to protect his FIFA World Cup ambition. Madrid will not rush his return until he is fully fit. His recovery timeline remains uncertain.

In the season’s crucial phase, Kylian Mbappe is battling a persistent left knee sprain that has troubled him since December while playing for Real Madrid. The injury began during the December 7 match against Celta Vigo and has continued to affect his fitness and performance. Initially, the club allowed Mbappe to manage his playing time based on pain tolerance, but the situation worsened after a flare-up in training ahead of the Champions League game against Benfica.

Despite medical advice to rest for three weeks, Mbappe pushed himself to play in the Supercopa final against Barcelona, a decision that has now complicated his recovery. Following renewed pain, he has stopped all on-field activities and is undergoing detailed medical examinations with specialists to find the exact cause of the problem.

Mbappe is strongly opposed to surgery because it could threaten his chances of featuring in the upcoming World Cup. He is instead focusing on conservative rehabilitation with support from Real Madrid’s medical staff. There is no confirmed return date, and both the club and player agree he will only come back when fully fit. Real Madrid needs his goals and pace, but they are prioritizing a complete recovery over short-term risk.