Real Madrid’s star forward, Kylian Mbappé, has been hospitalized in the United States due to an acute case of gastroenteritis, the Spanish club announced on Thursday. The 26-year-old French international, who missed Real Madrid’s opening match of the FIFA Club World Cup against Al-Hilal on Wednesday, is currently undergoing a series of medical tests and receiving treatment to address the illness. The news has sparked concern among fans and casts uncertainty over his participation in the ongoing tournament, a significant event for both Real Madrid and the global football community.
Mbappé, widely regarded as one of the world’s top footballers, was notably absent from Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. His absence was felt on the pitch, as the team struggled offensively under new manager Xabi Alonso. Prior to the match, Alonso had indicated that Mbappé was unwell, stating to DAZN, “Kylian was feeling a little better, but not enough.” The club initially hoped the forward would recover in time for their next group-stage match against Pachuca on Sunday, June 22, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. However, the announcement of his hospitalization has raised doubts about his availability for upcoming games, including the final group-stage match against RB Salzburg on June 26.
Real Madrid issued an official statement on their website, confirming the severity of Mbappé’s condition: “Our player Kylian Mbappé is suffering from an acute case of gastroenteritis and has been admitted to hospital in order to undergo a series of tests and follow the appropriate course of treatment.” Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is an infection of the gut that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration, necessitating hospitalization for intravenous fluid replacement and close medical monitoring. While the Mayo Clinic notes that symptoms typically resolve within a few days, Mbappé’s condition appears serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention.
The French captain’s hospitalization comes at a critical time for Real Madrid, who are competing in the month-long FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Mbappé has been a cornerstone of the team since his high-profile transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024. In his debut season with the Spanish giants, he has been in sensational form, scoring 43 goals across all competitions, including 31 in LaLiga, earning him the Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer. His absence from the tournament is a significant blow, not only to Real Madrid’s campaign but also to the event’s global appeal, given his massive following of over 138 million across social media platforms like Instagram and X.
This health setback follows a challenging year for Mbappé, who sustained a broken nose during the European Championship in 2024, forcing him to play with a protective face mask. Despite that injury, he continued to perform at an elite level, but his current illness presents a different challenge. Real Madrid has not provided a specific timeline for his recovery, leaving fans and analysts speculating about his potential return. Manager Xabi Alonso remains optimistic but cautious, with the team potentially relying on younger players, such as Gonzalo García, to fill the void in Mbappé’s absence, as they did against Al-Hilal.