Laporta Slams 'Trophyless' Mbappé at Real Madrid, Reigniting El Clasico Fire
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Barcelona President Joan Laporta has once again taken a swipe at fierce rivals Real Madrid, calling out Kylian Mbappé's lack of a major team trophy since his high-profile arrival in 2024 and reiterating his earlier prediction that the star signing would cause dressing room friction. Laporta, known for his outspoken commentary, believes the French forward's integration into the 'Galactico' squad has predictably disrupted team cohesion, a sentiment he first voiced when Mbappé joined Real Madrid on a free transfer. Laporta's latest comments come amidst heightened tensions between the two Spanish football giants, with institutional relations reportedly 'broken' ahead of their upcoming El Clasico clash on October 25th at Spotify Camp Nou. Despite Mbappé leading La Liga in scoring in his debut 2024-25 season, and being a top scorer in the Champions League in 2025-26, Real Madrid has indeed experienced a rare two-season drought without a major domestic or European trophy since his arrival, only securing the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup in 2024. This contrasts sharply with Barcelona's recent domestic successes under coach Hansi Flick. The timing of Laporta's remarks is no coincidence, adding another layer of drama to one of football's most intense rivalries, especially with a crucial El Clasico just days away. With Real Madrid now under the management of José Mourinho, who returned over the summer, the pressure on Mbappé and the entire Real Madrid squad to deliver silverware will only intensify. Observers will be keenly watching the on-field performance and any further off-field drama as these powerhouses battle for supremacy in La Liga and the Champions League this season.