As Kylian Mbappe is facing his former club Paris Saint-Germain for the first time since his departure, many fans are puzzled by one lingering question: Why has the French superstar looked out of sorts at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup? The Real Madrid striker, usually electric on the biggest stages, has been visibly slower, leaner, and absent from key moments during the tournament in the United States. It was not until now, however, that the true cause of his struggles has been revealed.
Mbappe’s impact at the Club World Cup had been limited. While he did deliver a spectacular acrobatic winner in Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 quarterfinal victory over Borussia Dortmund, his overall participation has been unusually restrained. The 26-year-old missed the entirety of Madrid’s group stage matches and only came off the bench in the knockout rounds.
Real Madrid fans were left concerned. Was it tactical rotation under new coach Xabi Alonso? Was it a lingering injury? Or perhaps a disciplinary matter? Now, the answer is far more serious—and unexpected.
What really happened to Mbappe?
According to a detailed report by L’Equipe, Mbappe suffered from a severe case of food poisoning just before Real Madrid departed for the United States. He began experiencing stomach discomfort before boarding the team’s flight to Miami, but dismissed the symptoms as minor. That decision would prove costly.
Once in America, the Frenchman’s condition deteriorated quickly, with fever, nausea, and severe dehydration setting in. By the time Real Madrid drew 1-1 with Al-Ahli in their opening match, the 26-year-old was not just missing the game—he was in a hospital bed, hooked up to IV fluids and battling what doctors initially feared was appendicitis or acute gastroenteritis.
“Medical exams ultimately confirmed a serious food poisoning episode,” reported L’Equipe. “The cause was identified as bacteria found in spoiled chicken, consumed just prior to the team’s travel.”
The situation had escalated to the point where Mbappe lost six kilograms (13 pounds) due to the illness, a shocking figure for a professional athlete already operating at peak physical condition. The weight loss was visibly evident in his leaner frame and reduced muscle mass.
Gradual recovery and a ray of hope
After being released from the hospital on June 19, Mbappe began the delicate process of recovery. Madrid’s medical staff opted for a cautious reintegration, keeping him out of full training for days and limiting his involvement to short appearances off the bench.
Despite the physical setback, Mbappe showed glimpses of his old self in the win over Dortmund, especially with the decisive overhead kick that sealed Real Madrid’s passage into the semifinals. Still, questions remain about whether he’s ready to start the high-intensity semifinal against PSG at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
