Shockwaves in Madrid: FIFA Slaps Kylian Mbappé With Another Devastating Punishment After Alarming Red Card vs Alavés
In a move that has left fans stunned and Real Madrid reeling, FIFA has imposed another severe punishment on star forward Kylian Mbappé following his controversial red card during the recent La Liga clash against Deportivo Alavés. Just when it seemed the storm was beginning to settle, global football’s governing body has turned up the heat — and the Santiago Bernabéu is feeling the burn.
The French superstar, known for his dazzling pace and clinical finishing, found himself at the center of controversy after a reckless challenge late in the game saw him sent off in dramatic fashion. Mbappé, who had been visibly frustrated throughout the match, lashed out with a late and dangerous tackle on Alavés defender Rubén Duarte in the dying minutes of a tense 1-1 draw. The referee wasted no time reaching for his back pocket, showing the Frenchman a straight red — his first in Spanish football.
While La Liga had already confirmed a standard two-match domestic ban, few expected the fallout to escalate this quickly — or this drastically.
FIFA, citing its regulations on violent conduct and “bringing the game into disrepute,” has now confirmed an additional three-match international ban, ruling Mbappé out of France’s upcoming Nations League fixtures. This shocking decision has not only enraged fans but also sent ripples through both the French national team setup and Real Madrid’s hierarchy.
According to FIFA’s statement, the nature of Mbappé’s actions, combined with his status as a global icon, played a role in the heavier punishment. “Elite players are held to higher standards. Their conduct sets an example globally,” the statement read. “What happened in the match against Alavés was not only dangerous but irresponsible.”
The punishment means that Mbappé, who has just begun settling into life in Madrid following his much-anticipated move from Paris Saint-Germain, will now miss key international games against Belgium, Croatia, and the Netherlands. For France, it’s a massive blow. For Madrid, it’s a PR nightmare.
Sources close to the Real Madrid camp suggest that club president Florentino Pérez is “furious” with both the decision and the timing, believing FIFA is making an example of Mbappé in a highly political moment for the sport. There is speculation that Madrid will file an official appeal, challenging FIFA’s jurisdiction to impose a penalty beyond club competitions.
Meanwhile, social media has exploded. Madridistas have flooded X (formerly Twitter) with a mix of rage and disbelief. Many fans are questioning whether the punishment is excessive — especially considering similar tackles in recent weeks have gone without additional suspensions.
“Are they punishing the name or the foul?” one supporter wrote. “If that was any other player, this wouldn’t be news. But because it’s Mbappé, FIFA wants to make headlines.”
Mbappé himself has remained silent since the decision was announced, though sources close to him suggest he is “deeply disappointed” and feels “singled out.” Given the pressure he’s under to perform at Madrid — especially after a summer saga that made global headlines — this latest development only adds to the weight on his shoulders.
As Real Madrid prepares to face Girona without their marquee forward, all eyes will be on how both the club and player respond. Will this spark a backlash against FIFA’s disciplinary methods? Or will Mbappé take it in stride and use the time to reflect and reset?
One thing is certain: the beautiful game just got another dose of drama, and Kylian Mbappé is once again in the spotlight — for all the wrong reasons.
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