Why is Kylian Mbappe not starting for Real Madrid vs. Barcelona in the Copa del Rey 2025 final?

Real Madrid and FC Barcelona are set to clash in the 2025 Copa del Rey final, a match already heated by the controversy surrounding it. However, when the starting lineups were announced, Kylian Mbappe’s absence raised questions about why the French superstar is not starting.

Barcelona had already known they would be without Robert Lewandowski, who suffered a muscular injury last week in La Liga. On the other hand, Real Madrid had initially decided to sideline Mbappe for their recent league matches against Athletic Bilbao and Getafe, hoping he would fully recover. But things didn’t go as planned.

Kylian Mbappe will not start for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final because he has not fully recovered from the ankle injury he sustained against Arsenal. In the Champions League clash where Los Blancos were eliminated, Mbappe was forced off in the 75th minute due to injury and was unable to make a record recovery for the showdown against Barcelona.

With lingering ankle pain, Mbappe will start on the bench. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti opted to go with Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo leading the attack, while the former Paris Saint-Germain star will have to wait for his chance from the dugout.

Mbappe under scrutiny from Real Madrid fans

It has been a difficult few weeks not only for Real Madrid but also for Kylian Mbappe. The club’s failure in the Champions League and its struggles in La Liga have sparked growing frustration among fans, with Mbappe becoming one of the main targets of criticism following the defeats against Arsenal.

During Real Madrid’s match against Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabéu, stadium cameras caught Mbappe in the stands. When his face appeared on the stadium screen, boos quickly broke out across the crowd.

Still recovering from his injury, Mbappe will be eager to turn things around by helping Real Madrid lift the Copa del Rey trophy — and end a bittersweet season on a high note.