Mbappe Draws Criticism After May 1 Cagliari Trip
mbappe drew criticism from some Real Madrid fans after he was photographed in Cagliari, Sardinia, on May 1 with Ester Expósito during his injury layoff. The trip came while Madrid was still chasing LaLiga and wanted him available for the Clasico on next Sunday, May 10.
Lo Scoglio Cagliari Post
Mbappe and Expósito were seen eating at Lo Scoglio Cagliari, a restaurant opened in 1958, after traveling together to Italy. The venue posted a photograph of him on its social media and added: "In Cagliari, May 1 is celebrated in style... between San Efeso and meetings that go unnoticed! Alessandro with a certain Mbappe!"
The same post continued: "P.S. We cannot reveal anything about what was written on the dessert... but you can try to guess in the comments. See you by the sea," and that public appearance quickly turned into a talking point for supporters following Madrid’s title chase.
Real Madrid’s Title Chase
Madrid was still playing for its last chance to stay in the LaLiga race with FC Barcelona, which held an 11-point lead at 85 to 74. That margin left every Mbappe update under a brighter spotlight, especially with the Clasico date approaching and the club wanting him back in time.
His absence traced back to a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left leg against Betis. He had already been seen having dinner with Expósito in Paris before the Cagliari trip, and days earlier he was pictured picking her up by car at her house.
Fan Backlash Online
The reaction from some Real Madrid fans was blunt. One comment read: "71 million euros down the drain for the second consecutive season. He only shows up against Talavera."
Another wrote: "It seems that, since his injury, he has mentally checked out... he seems unmotivated and disinterested," while a third said: "I can understand his frustrations, but his attitude is disappointing and insulting to the club and the fans..."
Those remarks made the Italy trip more than a tabloid sighting. For Madrid supporters watching the title gap and the Clasico clock at the same time, Mbappe’s off-field appearance became part of the debate over whether he would be ready when the team needed him most.
