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Rabat – Real Madrid is witnessing a massive division among its supporters, with rival groups demanding the departure of both French striker Kylian Mbappe and Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior.
A petition calling for Mbappe’s exit has quickly gained traction, garnering over 4.2 million signatures and shattering its original target of 200,000. In response, a counter-movement against Vinícius Júnior has collected over 900,000 signatures in a short period, easily exceeding its goal of 300,000.
The demand for Mbappé’s departure stems from a rise in professional and personal friction that has eroded the trust of the Madridista fanbase. This follows a turbulent season in which Real Madrid fell 11 points behind Barcelona in La Liga and suffered a Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich.
A clash of egos and perceived significance to the Madrid project
Under the management of Álvaro Arbeloa, the team has struggled to accommodate both superstars on the left wing. This, coupled with the team’s complicated fortunes this season, has led to reports of dressing room factions. Latin American players largely are reportedly siding with Vinícius in this clash of egos, according to converging reports.
Following the fallout with the club’s medical services and the discontent surrounding the sacking of Xabi Alonso, a sizable fanbase now views Mbappé as a disruptive figure rather than the cornerstone of a new era.
This anger was fueled by the Frenchman’s controversial romantic trip to Italy while the team was struggling and he was supposed to be recovering from injury. Critics have harshly called out the star striker while describing the trip as an act of disregard for the club.
In contrast, Vinícius’s supporters argue that the Brazilian winger has been “carrying” the team on the pitch.
As Mbappe is still nursing a minor muscle tear, his availability for tomorrow’s Clásico remains uncertain pending a final fitness test.
