Was Kylian Mbappé examined incorrectly? © APA/afp / OSCAR DEL POZO

Knee vertebrae surrounding Kylian Mbappé

Football superstar Kylian Mbappé has denied reports of an embarrassing mistake by Real Madrid's doctors.

March 26, 2026

From: dpa

"The information that the wrong knee was examined is not true," the Frenchman said in the USA at a press conference for the national team before the friendly against Brazil. Spanish and French media had previously reported that doctors had examined the star striker, who was suffering from pain, on the wrong knee in December.

The newspaper "El País" and the sports daily "Marca" reported that they had unequivocally confirmed the revelations by the French broadcaster "RMC Sport". Mbappé said he might bear some responsibility for the false claims, "because if you don't communicate what's wrong with you and what the situation is, then it leaves the door open for interpretation and everyone tries to fill in the gaps," said the 27-year-old forward for the Spanish record champions.

French journalist Daniel Riolo explained on Tuesday in the RMC program "After Foot" that the doctors of Real Madrid had simply made a mistake about the knee and therefore made an incorrect diagnosis. "An MRI scan was performed on his right leg, even though he was experiencing pain in his left leg," he said. This had "really angered" the captain of the French team when he found out.

In Paris, Mbappé found “the right solution”

Mbappé, who was injured on December 7 during Real Madrid's home defeat against Celta Vigo (0-2), returned to action after a lengthy absence, coming on as a substitute in Real's victories against Manchester City (2-1) on March 17 and against Atlético Madrid (3-2) on Sunday, and experienced no problems. He is therefore expected to play in France's World Cup warm-up matches against Brazil in Boston on Thursday and against Colombia in Landover, Washington, on Sunday. "I'm very happy to be here, to be available, and to be completely fit. I'm ready to play, and I'll start if needed," said Mbappé.