As Real Madrid embarks on their Club World Cup 2025 campaign in the United States, their start has been overshadowed by a sudden and concerning development. Amid heightened anticipation surrounding their star-studded squad, including Kylian Mbappe, a cloud of uncertainty now looms over the team’s trajectory—and it stems from far more than just their underwhelming 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in Miami.
The real headline? Kylian Mbappe has been hospitalized. And what this means for Madrid’s Club World Cup chances could be profound.
What began as a mysterious absence from training sessions quickly escalated into full-blown concern when the Frenchman did not feature in Madrid’s opening game. The initial word from the club pointed to a fever and general malaise. But the situation took a dramatic turn shortly thereafter.
In an official statement, the club revealed: “Our player Kylian Mbappe is experiencing an acute case of gastroenteritis and has been hospitalized to undergo medical tests and receive appropriate treatment.”
Gastroenteritis—commonly referred to as stomach flu—can range from a temporary illness to something more serious requiring hospitalization, especially when dehydration and complications arise. The diagnosis casts doubt over the 26-year-old’s availability for upcoming matches, including the pivotal clash against Pachuca.
What did Xabi Alonso say?
Manager Xabi Alonso, who is still settling into his new role, addressed the press following the match against Al-Hilal. When asked about Mbappe’s chances of featuring in the next fixture, he gave a candid and cautious response:
“We don’t know. We have to know how his recovery develops. In the last few days he has not been able to train well. He has been bad, with an important viral process and we have to see it,” Alonso said.
These words painted a far more serious picture than initially anticipated. Not only was Mbappe too ill to play, but he was also too unwell to even attend the match, opting to stay away from the Hard Rock Stadium entirely.
Implications for Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign
Now, Madrid must navigate the early stages without their most valuable asset. With no official timetable for recovery, there is mounting concern that Mbappe could miss the remainder of the group stage. That includes the June 22 matchup against Pachuca and potentially the June 26 encounter with Salzburg, which currently tops the group.
The Club World Cup’s expanded format means group stage results carry more weight than ever. And Los Blancos’ next opponents—Pachuca and RB Salzburg—are not to be underestimated. The Austrian side, in particular, has already claimed three points and looks poised to push for top spot.
If the Spanish champions fail to secure maximum points, they risk falling behind in Group H. And without Mbappe, that task could become exponentially harder.
