Kylian Mbappé, a forward for Real Madrid and France’s national team, has refused to undergo surgery on his knee ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to Spanish outlet AS, the current Champions League top scorer has been dealing with knee ligament pains since last December. The pain has become so severe that Mbappé skipped the second leg of the playoff round against Benfica.
Based on medical assessments, surgery is required; however, the 27-year-old athlete refuses, believing he will not recover in time for the World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico (June 11 to July 19). The conservative treatment option does not guarantee complete success. Furthermore, training and match workloads could worsen the condition.
One thing is clear for now: Mbappé will not appear in any of Real Madrid’s or France’s matches before the World Cup. The top scorer will be preserved.
