Dugarry Defends Mbappé, Blames Other Real Madrid Stars for Team Struggles

Former France international Christophe Dugarry has come to the defense of Kylian Mbappé, insisting that the forward should not be blamed for Real Madrid CF’s recent challenges.

Speaking on Jérôme Rothen’s podcast, Dugarry argued that criticism directed at Mbappé is misplaced and suggested that several players within the squad have failed to meet the club’s high standards. He specifically mentioned Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, Federico Valverde, Marco Asensio, and Aurélien Tchouaméni as players he believes are overrated or not performing at the required level.

“It’s surprising to hear that all of Real Madrid’s problems are solely on Kylian Mbappé. If he’s no longer wanted, perhaps the Spanish club should consider selling him,” Dugarry said.

He continued by emphasizing that Real Madrid’s issues are broader than one player, adding that some squad members have been at the club for years without consistently demonstrating the quality expected at such a historic institution.

Opinion: Dugarry’s comments highlight a recurring theme in elite football—superstars often become the easiest targets when results decline. Mbappé’s global status naturally attracts scrutiny, but football remains a team sport where success depends on collective performance.

While his criticism of certain players may seem harsh, it reflects the relentless expectations at Real Madrid, where anything short of excellence is questioned. However, publicly labeling teammates as overrated can also create unnecessary pressure and distraction. A more balanced view would acknowledge that transitions, tactical adjustments, and squad depth all play roles in a club’s performance.

For fans, the debate raises an important question: is Mbappé being unfairly singled out, or are Real Madrid’s struggles simply the result of a team still searching for cohesion? Either way, the spotlight on the Spanish giants is unlikely to fade anytime soon.