Stu Holden Rips Into Kylian Mbappé After Real Madrid’s Collapse: “The Star Mentality Is Sinking the Team”

Fox Sports – In a pointed interview earlier this week, football commentator and former U.S. international Stu Holden didn’t hold back when discussing Real Madrid’s recent string of disappointments—most notably laying the blame at the feet of their marquee signing, Kylian Mbappé.

Speaking on Fox Sports’ post-match analysis after Real Madrid’s shocking exit from the UEFA Champions League and their slide behind Barcelona in La Liga, Holden called out what he termed Mbappé’s “C1 spirit” and a creeping “star disease” as central problems in the club’s underwhelming season.

“He came in as the future of Real Madrid. But right now, he’s playing like someone who thinks he’s bigger than the badge,” Holden said. “This ‘superstar’ attitude is poisoning the dressing room.”

“Mbappé Mentality Doesn’t Match Madrid Culture”

Holden was particularly critical of what he perceived as Mbappé’s lack of humility and leadership in crucial moments. Despite a record-breaking contract and massive expectations from fans and pundits alike, the French forward has failed to deliver in decisive matches—scoring just once in the Champions League knockout rounds and often appearing disconnected in big La Liga clashes.

“Real Madrid is a club built on grit, on winning when it matters,” Holden argued. “Mbappé’s body language, his decisions, the way he disappears when things get tough—that’s not the Real Madrid way. That’s a player who thinks the club revolves around him.”

Holden compared Mbappé’s attitude unfavorably to past Madrid legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, who, he said, “thrived in the pressure” rather than shrinking from it.

“C1 Spirit”? More Like Individualism Over Teamwork

The term “C1 spirit,” a slang reference to the Champions League (or “Cúp C1” as it’s often called in some regions), was used by Holden to highlight what he saw as Mbappé’s fixation on individual glory rather than collective success.

“You can see it in the way he plays. He’s looking for highlight-reel goals, not smart team moves. He’s worried about his brand, not about bringing Madrid back into the game,” Holden said.

This has echoed criticisms from other Spanish media outlets in recent weeks, with some suggesting that Mbappé’s arrival has disrupted the team’s chemistry rather than elevating it. While no one doubts the 26-year-old’s talent, his role as the centerpiece of the squad has not translated into consistent team performances.

Fan Reactions Mixed but Growing Frustration Is Clear

Mbappé’s arrival last summer was met with jubilation by Real Madrid fans who believed he would lead the club into a new golden era. But with a Champions League elimination and now trailing behind rivals FC Barcelona in the domestic title race, many are beginning to question whether the French star was worth the hype—and the massive salary.

Social media has been ablaze with comments, with some fans defending Mbappé and pointing to broader tactical issues and injuries, while others are aligning with Holden’s assessment.

“I don’t care how many Instagram followers he has—he needs to step up on the pitch,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Silence from Mbappé, Pressure Mounting on Ancelotti

As of now, Mbappé has not responded publicly to Holden’s criticism. However, sources close to the player have reportedly described him as “frustrated but focused.” Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, already under fire for the team’s performances, is now facing added pressure to manage his biggest star and prevent a full-blown locker room fracture.

“This is a test of leadership—for Ancelotti and for Mbappé,” said Holden. “Can they put ego aside and play as a team? Because right now, Real Madrid looks like a group of individuals, not a unit chasing trophies.”

What’s Next for Mbappé and Madrid?

With several key La Liga fixtures remaining and no Champions League campaign to distract them, all eyes are now on how Mbappé will respond to the criticism—and whether he can prove he truly belongs at the heart of Madrid’s project.

Holden closed his segment with a warning:

“This is Real Madrid. They don’t wait around for players to figure it out. You either rise to the moment—or you’re shown the door.”

The coming weeks will likely define not just the end of Real Madrid’s season, but perhaps the beginning of a reckoning for one of football’s most hyped stars.