Real Madrid reportedly examined wrong knee in Mbappe injury tests

The French star had to seek a second medical evaluation in Paris after Madrid's misdiagnosis.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 5:38am

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Reports have confirmed that Real Madrid examined the wrong knee on Kylian Mbappe, prompting the France star to seek a second medical evaluation in Paris. The news broke when a French journalist revealed that Madrid had made a "poor diagnosis" on Mbappe's injury, leading to a muscle-strengthening protocol that avoided surgery and allowed the player to recover.

Why it matters

Mbappe's fitness is crucial for both Real Madrid and the French national team, with the World Cup less than three months away. The misdiagnosis by Madrid raised questions about the club's medical procedures and communication with the player.

The details

According to the reports, instead of examining Mbappe's left knee, Real Madrid examined the right one during their initial injury tests. French specialist Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, whom Mbappe consulted in Paris, confirmed that "work had been done poorly in Madrid." The player himself later addressed the speculation surrounding his fitness, stating he was "recovered 100 percent" after the thorough diagnosis in Paris.

  • On March 25, 2026, reports emerged confirming Real Madrid's misdiagnosis of Mbappe's injury.

The players

Kylian Mbappe

A French professional footballer who plays as a forward for Real Madrid and the French national team.

Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet

A French sports medicine specialist who evaluated Mbappe in Paris and proposed a muscle-strengthening protocol that allowed the player to recover.

Alvaro Arbeloa

The head coach of Real Madrid, who had cited Mbappe's fitness as the reason he did not start in the derby against Atletico Madrid.

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What they’re saying

“Real Madrid, in the initial diagnosis, got the knee wrong. Instead of examining Mbappe's left knee, they examined the right one.”

— Miguel Angel Diaz, Journalist

“Work had been done poorly in Madrid.”

— Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, French sports medicine specialist

“I'm recovered 100 percent.”

— Kylian Mbappe

What’s next

Mbappe and the France national team have arrived in Boston and are set to train at New England Revolution facilities on Wednesday. They will open their two-game tour against Brazil on Thursday, March 26, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, followed by a match against Colombia on Sunday, March 29, in Landover, Maryland.

The takeaway

The misdiagnosis by Real Madrid highlights the importance of thorough and accurate medical evaluations, especially for high-profile players like Mbappe whose fitness is crucial for both their club and national team. The incident has raised questions about the club's medical procedures and communication with the player, which will need to be addressed to ensure Mbappe's continued recovery and availability for the upcoming World Cup.