Mbappé sent home after warning Ronaldo about his record

November 17, 2025 Oliver Obel

According to Sport Bible, France continued their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a convincing 4-0 win over Ukraine on Thursday night at the Parc des Princes. Mbappé led the charge with two goals, while Michael Olise and Hugo Ekitike also found the net in what was a commanding display from Les Bleus.

The result kept France level on points with Italy at the top of Group B but ahead on goal difference. Still, the post-match celebration was short-lived as questions quickly surfaced about their captain’s condition.

Ankle trouble strikes

As first reported by journalist Fabrice Hawkins via X, Mbappé has returned to Madrid for further medical assessment.

“Kylian Mbappé is returning to Madrid and will not travel to Azerbaijan with the France team,” Hawkins wrote.

He added that, according to the French Football Federation (FFF), the 26-year-old is experiencing inflammation in his right ankle and will undergo precautionary tests in Spain. The FFF emphasized that the decision was made to protect the player ahead of a demanding run of club and international fixtures.

For France fans, the timing could hardly be worse — both Deschamps and Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will be hoping the issue proves minor. Training staff at Clairefontaine were seen checking on Mbappé before his departure, underscoring the seriousness of the precaution.

Milestone moment

Before the setback, Mbappé had reason to celebrate. His two goals against Ukraine took his career tally to 400, achieved at just 26 years and 328 days.
For comparison, Lionel Messi reached the same number at 27 years and 95 days, while Cristiano Ronaldo did so at 28 years and 335 days. The milestone underscores Mbappé’s extraordinary consistency and places him firmly among football’s elite scorers.

Looking ahead

Reflecting on his achievement after the match, Mbappé offered a glimpse of his ambition:

“400 doesn’t impress people,” he said. “If you want to be in that circle that impresses people, you have to score 400 more. Cristiano Ronaldo’s 1000 goals? It’s unreal. But let’s try the unreal — you have to try, you only have one career.”

His remarks came on the same evening Ronaldo endured a frustrating outing — the Portuguese forward was sent off during a 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland after VAR ruled he had elbowed defender Dara O’Shea.

Even so, Mbappé’s focus remains clear. It’s uncertain whether he’ll recover in time for Madrid’s next La Liga fixture, but both France and Real Madrid will be keeping a close eye on their talisman’s progress. With crucial matches ahead, his swift return to full fitness could shape the coming months for club and country alike.

Sources: Sport Bible; Fabrice Hawkins via X; French Football Federation (FFF)