Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign has been solid but incomplete — not because of results, but due to the absence of their biggest star. While Xabi Alonso’s side has cruised into the knockout stages with commanding performances, fans continue to wait for the tournament debut of Kylian Mbappe, who has been sidelined with illness.
The 26-year-old forward missed all three of Real Madrid’s group games due to a bout of acute gastroenteritis, which even required hospitalization. Though he has since returned to training, his much-anticipated debut in the United States remains uncertain — but perhaps not for much longer.
Mbappe, who scored 43 goals in 56 appearances last season, was expected to play a central role in Madrid’s Club World Cup ambitions. However, his health took a sudden hit, and despite being cleared to return to training, he was not risked for the 3-0 win over Salzburg, which confirmed Real’s top spot in Group H.
Speaking after that game, Xabi Alonso offered a careful but hopeful update, while also delivering a mysterious five-word prediction that caught attention. “I don’t want to be optimistic and get ahead of myself, but we need him, as he’s a top player, one of the best in the world. We hope he’s back soon,” Alonso told reporters.
The comment — “We hope he’s back soon” — sparked speculation about whether Mbappe will finally step onto the pitch when Real Madrid face Juventus on July 1 in the Round of 16.
Club World Cup pressure building
Madrid’s progress through the group stage has been encouraging, but the absence of Mbappe has been a major talking point, especially for a competition that FIFA hopes will rival the Champions League in prestige.
Mbappe’s presence was supposed to be one of the centerpieces of the expanded tournament. As Mundo Deportivo noted, “he is one of the top attractions” alongside Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland. Yet, as things stand, Mbappe has been making more headlines for off-field matters — including his recent legal battle with PSG — than for his soccer.
Juventus clash the likely stage
If Mbappe avoids further setbacks, he is expected to be available — at least off the bench — for the high-stakes clash against Juventus. Should he return to the fold, Gonzalo García is likely to make way.
Real Madrid will need all their firepower, as Juventus qualified second in their group, despite a heavy defeat to Manchester City in their final group game.
Even if he features as a substitute, the Frenchman’s presence could tilt the match in Madrid’s favor. His speed, finishing, and tactical intelligence remain unmatched, and with over 48 direct goal contributions in the 2024-25 season, he’ll be eager to add to that tally.
