Gareth Bale Defends Mbappe After PSG Backlash originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
After Real Madrid’s 4-0 loss against PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup, many players have been criticized heavily for their performances. One of them is Kylian Mbappe, who started the game against PSG and wasn’t able to be a goal threat to his former club.
The French star, along with Vinicius Jr., were criticized for their lack of impact on the team, and some fans on social media went further, questioning his arrival last summer.
Despite the performance against PSG, Mbappe has been defended by former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale. Bale attended the game between Real Madrid and PSG at the MetLife Stadium and was asked about players like Mbappe, who are currently facing backlash from fans.
One of the concerns in regards to Mbappe not wanting to press the opponents in comparison to players like PSG’s Ousmane Dembele. Despite the lack of defensive duties Mbappe produces for Real Madrid, Bale highlights the best of the French player and believes he remains a key player for Los Blancos.
Gareth Bale on Kylian Mbappe
In an interview with ESPN FC, Bale defended Mbappe from the backlash he has been receiving and commented on what the French star brings to the Spanish side.
When asked how Mbappe’s tenure at Real Madrid could improve after one season where he faced lots of criticism from fans, Bale believes there is a bright future with Mbappe under Xabi Alonso.
Gareth Bale: “He’s [Mbappe] still scoring the goals, he’s still doing good things, it’s just that they [Real Madrid] haven’t won anything… It’s a tough one because he’s still delivering on the pitch, but maybe he’s not having those moments. It’s up to Xabi to find that kind of blend of pressing and trying to get the best of him and saving his energy for when you need him.”
ESPN FC Interview
When asked if Xabi Alonso could figure out the front three at Real Madrid, which has been complicated since Mbappe’s arrival. Bale says he does think Alonso will make it work due to his work at Bayer Leverkusen and the options of his players he has at his disposal.
Bale also believes that Mbappe receives more backlash compared to other players due to his ability. He believes there are stricter expectations for Mbappe because of his talent and being one of the best in the world for the past couple of years.
Kylian Mbappe’s 2024-25 season
Kylian Mbappe arrived with high expectations at Real Madrid, but his start was questionable. Despite the rough start, Mbappe ended up scoring 44 goals and providing five assists in 59 appearances across all competitions.
Mbappe won the Pichichi Trophy for top goalscorer in La Liga with 31 goals and won the European Golden Boot.
He scored in every competition Real Madrid played in this past season, including seven goals in the Champions League. Real Madrid only won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
QUE GOLAZO!!!!
🎯 MBAPPÉ GOES AIRBORNE! HE’S BACK!
Overhead kick. Back of the net. Instant classic.
Superstar stuff from Kylian. 🌟 pic.twitter.com/lx646RuR5w— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 5, 2025
Real Madrid finished second in La Liga, were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Champions League, and lost the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup finals against FC Barcelona.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.