Overview
- Multiple outlets on Tuesday, citing The Athletic, reported that Real Madrid ordered an MRI on Mbappé’s right knee while the injury was in his left, which led to him being picked for three matches before the real problem was found.
- After a later MRI on the correct knee, doctors identified a partial tear of the posterior ligament, yet the club’s public bulletin labeled the issue a sprain without noting the tear.
- Mbappé sought a second opinion in Paris with specialist Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, followed a strengthening plan that avoided surgery, and says the episode is behind him as he joins France for friendlies.
- The Athletic said Real Madrid and the player’s camp declined to explain how the error happened, and RMC’s Daniel Riolo linked the earlier firing of the club’s medical staff to the mishandled case.
- Reports say the forward missed seven games this season, and the episode has become a test of medical accountability at elite teams, with The Athletic detailing the scan error and French media amplifying concerns about player safety.