Kylian Mbappé has been Real Madrid's most high-profile signing in the past decade. Overflowing excitement, sold-out jerseys, and a Bernabéu fully committed from day one. However, something has changed in recent weeks.
What was supposed to be a desired Club World Cup has turned into an unexpected scenario. Mbappé has lost more than 9 lbs. (4 kg) of muscle mass in a month. In Valdebebas, they aren't hiding their concern.
A physical loss that doesn't go unnoticed
According to internal club data leaked to the media, the French forward has lost muscle tone since the season ended with Real Madrid. He looks thinner, less explosive, and is struggling to keep his usual power during sprints.
The loss of 9 lbs. (4 kg) hasn't been accidental. Mbappé has followed a specific physical adaptation plan, but the result isn't convincing.
Mbappé went through a feverish process that led to acute gastroenteritis, which even resulted in him being hospitalized in Miami.
He contracted the virus in Madrid before traveling to the United States on June 14.
He then suffered dehydration, which caused him to lose weight and muscle mass. Marca reports between 9 and 11 lbs. (4 and 5 kg) lost.
The coaching staff expected that, after a few weeks of personalized work, Kylian would recover his best form. However, the reports indicate otherwise.
Xabi Alonso, privately, has expressed his concern and has already requested special monitoring for the forward. He wants to avoid at all costs that the French star starts the season below his level.
Alarms go off in the white camp
It's not just a physical issue. In recent training sessions, Mbappé has appeared more subdued than usual. Lack of spark, fewer dribbles, and less influence in practice games.
The player, who arrived as the great offensive leader, has lost his explosiveness, and that has set off alarms in the upper echelons of the Bernabéu.
Florentino Pérez isn't worried, at least for now, but he expects an immediate reaction. The club has made the entire medical and fitness staff available to him so he can regain muscle mass without losing agility.
The goal is for him to be ready for the round of 16 and start the next season at his peak. His contribution in the Club World Cup will be minimal, if he even makes his debut.
Is it just a temporary slump?
In Madrid, they trust this is a temporary and passing setback. Mbappé has changed his routine, country, coach, and playing style. The body can suffer from it.
Some physical performance experts believe that losing muscle mass at this stage can affect his explosiveness in the first matches. Mbappé, precisely, relies on that.
Madrid's "10" has been very demanding with himself and wants to reach 100%. He isn't satisfied with being a star: he wants to be a legend, and he knows it.
Now it's time for him to show he's ready to take on the weight of the badge. The fans are expectant.