Mbappé Calls Himself “Fourth-Choice Striker” After Being Benched in Real Madrid Win
French star says he accepts manager’s decision after being left out against Real Oviedo.
- Mbappé was benched and came on in the 69th minute against Real Oviedo.
- The forward said he currently ranks behind Vinícius, Gonzalo García and Mastantuono.
- Coach Álvaro Arbeloa disputed claims that Mbappé was fully fit to start.
Kylian Mbappé has described himself as the “fourth-choice striker” at Real Madrid after being left out of the starting lineup in their 2-0 victory over Real Oviedo in La Liga.
The French forward, who recently returned from a thigh injury, was introduced in the 69th minute at the Santiago Bernabéu but was met with whistles from sections of the home crowd.
Vinícius Júnior, Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono were all preferred in attack, with Mbappé watching on from the bench at kick-off.
The 27-year-old World Cup winner, who has scored 41 goals in 41 appearances this season, admitted after the match that he currently sees himself lower in the attacking pecking order.
“I’m 100% fine. I haven’t played because for the coach I’ve been the fourth striker behind Mastantuono, Vini and Gonzalo,” Mbappé said.
He added that he respects the manager’s decision and insists there is no issue with the coaching staff, stressing that he must work harder to earn his place back in the starting XI.
However, Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa rejected Mbappé’s interpretation, saying the striker was not fit enough to start after recently missing the El Clásico defeat to Barcelona due to injury.
The match came during a difficult period for the Spanish giants, who have gone another season without major silverware, increasing pressure on the club and its leadership.
Tensions among supporters were also visible at the Bernabéu, where a banner calling for club president Florentino Pérez to step down was removed by stewards.
Mbappé’s recent absence from key matches and images of him on holiday while the team played have also fuelled criticism from sections of fans online.
Despite the jeers, Mbappé appeared unbothered, saying such reactions are part of life at a club like Real Madrid and in top-level football.
On the pitch, however, Real Madrid still secured the win, with Gonzalo García opening the scoring before Jude Bellingham sealed the result late on.
