• Left France as a free agent
• Struggled for a spark in Spain
• Aired unhappiness to friends

WHAT HAPPENED?

The World Cup-winning Frenchman took the decision to sever ties with Paris Saint-Germain when reaching the end of his contract. He had become the all-time leading goalscorer for the Ligue 1 heavyweights, but decided that the time was right in 2024 to take on a new challenge.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mbappe has - as the newest ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu - registered eight goals through 15 appearances for Real, but more was expected of him. The 25-year-old also demands better of himself, but has found the going tough after being moved centrally from the left wing berth that he favours.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to Mundo Deportivo, Mbappe is growing disillusioned with Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical plan in the Spanish capital. He is said to have expressed that unhappiness to close friends, with the France international disappointed at the style of football that Real are playing.

TELL ME MORE

He is said to miss being "the main point of the team", with that standing enjoyed at Parc des Princes as "he was the point of reference and everyone played for him". That is not the case in Madrid and Mbappe has started to miss the kind of chances that he has historically snapped up.

WHAT NEXT?

Questions are being asked of Ancelotti’s future, as Real struggle for a spark as a collective, and they will be eager to enter the next international break after seeing a return to winning ways enjoyed in a home date with Osasuna on Saturday.