Real Madrid’s star forward Kylian Mbappé was admitted to a Miami hospital on June 19, 2025, after developing acute gastroenteritis, the club confirmed in an official statement. The French international missed his team’s 1–1 draw against Al‑Hilal and is now under medical care as he undergoes tests and treatment.
Details of Mbappé’s Diagnosis
Doctors at the hospital diagnosed Mbappé with acute gastroenteritis based on his symptoms and a physical exam. They checked his blood pressure and pulse to watch for dehydration. They also listened for any abdominal sounds and looked for signs of fever or tenderness. Since his case seemed serious, the medical team took a stool sample. They ran an RT‑qPCR test to look for viral particles, which is a fast and accurate way to detect norovirus or similar infections. These tests can find as few as 10 to 100 viral copies. If needed, they will use a broader gastrointestinal panel to check for other possible causes.
Impact on Real Madrid’s Club World Cup Campaign
Mbappé’s absence shook up Real Madrid’s plans in the Club World Cup. With the match against Al‑Hilal ending in a draw, 21‑year‑old forward Gonzalo García stepped in and scored Madrid’s goal. Head coach Xabi Alonso said, “We still do not know if he will be ready for the next game on June 22. He has a serious viral infection, and we need to see how he recovers.”
Tournament rules allow teams to swap up to six players between June 27 and July 3. That flexibility could help if Mbappé’s recovery takes longer. Despite this setback, Real Madrid remains a top contender. They earned their spot by winning the Champions League in 2022 and 2024. Their next group match is against Red Bull Salzburg on June 27, and they look set to advance even without their leading scorer.
Xabi Alonso’s Tactical Adjustments
In his first major test as Real Madrid coach, Xabi Alonso showed the style he wants. He moved away from the deeper defense used by his predecessor and chose a more aggressive pressing game. His idea is for players to chase the ball higher up the field right after they lose it. That echoes the approach Barcelona found success with under Hansi Flick.
Against Al‑Hilal, Alonso used a 4‑3‑3 setup that let right‑back Trent Alexander‑Arnold push into midfield. Alongside Tchouaméni, Valverde, and Bellingham, he formed a compact central unit. Madrid struggled in the first half, holding just 45 percent of possession. Yet Alonso’s tweaks at halftime boosted their share to 60 percent in the second half. He admitted that building this system will take time, as the squad had fewer than ten days to train together. His hands‑on style in practice marks a clear change from Carlo Ancelotti’s more laid‑back methods.
Personal Analysis
This incident shows how quickly a single player’s health can shift a team’s path. Mbappé’s condition highlights the need for depth in the squad. Real Madrid still looked strong without him, but relying on youth brings risk. They must balance giving young talent a chance and securing results in top competitions.
Alonso’s tactics hint at an exciting season ahead. His pressing style could make Madrid more dynamic. Yet shifting away from a known system poses challenges. The limited pre‑season time means early hiccups are almost certain. Whatever happens, this tournament will reveal how well Madrid can adapt under new leadership and without their headline star.
Sources: Al Jazeerah, Reuters
