Real Madrid’s crisis has deepened following the dismissal of Xabi Alonso, but it’s Kylian Mbappé’s “farewell message” that is currently stealing the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Shortly after the official announcement of Alonso’s sacking on Monday (12th), the French superstar took to Instagram to pay tribute to his former manager. Sharing a photo of the two together, Mbappé wrote: “It was short, but it was a pleasure playing for you and learning from you… Thank you for the confidence from day one.”
While the message appeared heartfelt, it has ignited a fierce debate across social media, with fans divided on whether the gesture was sincere or a calculated move by his PR team.
The “Guard of Honor” Controversy
The backlash stems from Mbappé’s recent behavior during the Spanish Super Cup final defeat against Barcelona. Critics were quick to point out the irony of his “polite” message, citing his alleged refusal to participate in the guard of honor for the Catalan champions a move many saw as a direct defiance of Alonso’s sporting values.
“Mbappé’s ‘thank you’ is pure PR theatrics,” one viral post on X (formerly Twitter) claimed. “He publicly undermined Alonso on the pitch, and now his team is trying to save his image.”
🚨 KYLIAN MBAPPE ON IG. pic.twitter.com/6O7Ij6N2e4
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) January 12, 2026
Rumors of a “Player Power” Revolt
The controversy doesn’t stop at social media comments. Rumors are circulating behind the scenes at the Santiago Bernabéu that the relationship between Xabi Alonso and his star duo Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior had fundamentally broken down.
Some “Football Fanatics” on X have gone as far as suggesting that “player power” played a role in Florentino Pérez’s decision to pull the plug on Alonso’s project so early. The theory suggests that tactical disagreements and clashes of ego made Alonso’s position untenable.
🚨❤️🩹 Kylian Mbappé: “It’s been short but it was a pleasure to play for you and learn from you. Thank you for giving me the confidence since Day 1”.
“I will remember you as a manager who had clear ideas and knows many things about football. Best of luck for your next chapter”. pic.twitter.com/ezceKJbkdO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2026
Madridistas Defend Their Star
Despite the noise, a significant portion of the Real Madrid fanbase has jumped to Mbappé’s defense. Many supporters argue that the Frenchman was one of the few players who actually maintained a professional bond with the coach until the end.
“Mbappé is always the scapegoat for everything,” one fan lamented. “He was one of the few to show class. People just love to hate him unfairly.”
As Álvaro Arbeloa takes the reins and the shadow of Jürgen Klopp looms over the club, the spotlight remains firmly on Mbappé. His every move is now being scrutinized as Madrid enters a period of high-stakes transition.
