According to a report from the French television network RMC Sport, Kylian Mbappe has been the victim of a misdiagnosis that could have even cost him his place in this summer’s World Cup.

However, due to persistent pain, Mbappe sought a second opinion in Paris, his former city of residence, after which, together with a knee specialist, he opted for a different approach to his recovery. Meanwhile, the former PSG player had already returned to the field.

Furthermore, the misdiagnosis in Madrid would have infuriated Mbappe. According to a report from The Athletic on Tuesday, the medical team made an embarrassing error: they examined the wrong leg of the Frenchman during the MRI and, naturally, gave the all-clear after detecting no problem.

Apparently, that misdiagnosis was also a decisive factor in the dismissal of the medical staff at the start of the year. As a result, after their dismissal in late 2023, Dr. Niko Mihic was rehired as director after the team had been reorganized last summer.

Staff changes in Real Madrid’s medical department are far from a rarity when those in charge complain about too many injuries. In addition to Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Alvaro Carrasquilla, among others, have also been absent in recent weeks.

In this regard, RMC reporter Daniel Riolo used drastic words on the program “L’After Foot.” “For Real Madrid, this is a total disgrace what happened. This misdiagnosis could have had much more serious consequences, as Mbappe took a long time to find out what was wrong with him.

He was active in other aspects, even played some matches, without knowing exactly what was happening to him. He could have destroyed his knee.” A special muscle-strengthening program that he had developed together with the aforementioned knee specialist in Paris would ultimately have been the turning point.

After an examination of the injured leg, Mbappe played numerous matches while in discomfort. Those in Madrid spoke of an injury that had to be managed match by match, with a quick recovery expected. However, in early January (two matches) and early March (three), the forward was not included in Real Madrid’s squad.

After the second forced absence, the press even speculated about a cruciate ligament injury, before Mbappe returned to the field after he visited Paris for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Manchester City.

On Monday, Mbappe spoke about his injury. “My knee is fine. It’s getting better. It’s going quite well, and I know there has been a lot of speculation about it and false things have been said,” he stated, adding eloquently, “That’s the life of an elite athlete. We are used to people saying things without checking them and without any foundation.”

Furthermore, Mbappe stated that he no longer feels pain, thus contradicting, among others, Riolo on “L’After Foot.” He emphasized: “I have recovered 100%. In Paris, I had the opportunity to receive a comprehensive diagnosis. And together we were able to develop a plan to return to my best level at Real Madrid and also with an eye on the World Cup.”

The fact that Mbappe is truly in top form is also demonstrated by his selection for the upcoming friendly matches of the French national team. The 27-year-old player is considered a great hope for the World Cup. And despite the physical discomfort over recent months, he has amassed an impressive 38 goals and 6 assists in 35 official matches for Real Madrid this season.

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