Former Champions League winner Thierry Henry launched a sharp critique of Kylian Mbappé after Real Madrid’s disappointing 3-1 home defeat to AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. This loss followed a crushing 4-0 defeat to Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu at the end of October, leaving Carlo Ancelotti’s side struggling with form. The Italian coach admitted that his team “is not playing well,” and the pressure is mounting.
Mbappé, who joined Madrid this summer, has been a focal point of criticism due to his underwhelming performances, managing only five non-penalty goals in 15 appearances across all competitions this season. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, who scored an impressive 23 goals last season, has yet to find the back of the net this term.
Speaking as a pundit for CBS Sports, Henry was quick to defend Bellingham, while taking aim at Mbappé. “It’s almost always Bellingham who makes the runs, who gets the team moving,” Henry said. “He’s the one breaking the lines, stretching the opposition. It’s Bellingham doing the job Mbappé is supposed to do.”
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Henry pointed out that while Bellingham’s work ethic and willingness to lead the charge are admirable, it’s not ideal for him to constantly be forced into such a role. “Bellingham doesn’t want to always be the one making those runs to stretch the team. He does it because he has the desire and the will to do it.”
Mbappé’s struggles have been compounded by his surprising omission from France’s squad for the upcoming international break, despite being fully fit. Former Madrid forward Karim Benzema suggested that Mbappé, a natural left winger, has yet to find his place in a team already featuring Vinícius Júnior.
At the end of his critique, Henry acknowledged Mbappé’s potential but stressed that he must adjust his game. “You have to give him time, but he needs to learn how to play as a ‘nine’ and have the desire and will to do it. I think the team is frustrated with him, and I can understand why.”