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SportsL'Équipe: Mbappé and Bellingham have complex relationship, face off in third-place match
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L'Équipe reports on the complex relationship between Real Madrid teammates Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham ahead of the World Cup third-place match between France and England. The two strong-willed players have experienced both conflict and mutual respect since Mbappé joined Real Madrid in 2024. Spanish media have highlighted tensions, including an alleged halftime argument during a La Liga match in February and a moment in May when Bellingham appeared to avoid Mbappé after a game. Coach Ancelotti's tactical shift moving Bellingham to the left wing to accommodate Mbappé reportedly caused friction. Mbappé is expected to play in the match, competing for the Golden Boot, while Bellingham's participation is uncertain after England's elimination by Argentina. Their potential interactions on and off the pitch will be closely watched.
Source report
Hupu Football News | July 18th
L'Equipe published an article today examining the relationship between Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham. The two stars are set to face each other in the World Cup third-place match, representing France and England respectively.
Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, teammates at Real Madrid for two years, both possess strong personalities. While there have been conflicts between them, they have also demonstrated mutual respect.
This is a match neither of them envisioned, and one of them may not even take the field. Mbappé's appearance in Miami this afternoon is almost certain, as he competes for the World Cup Golden Boot. Bellingham's participation is more questionable—he posted an Instagram story on Thursday, admitting that after the "Three Lions" were eliminated by Argentina the day before, he "struggled to find the right words."
However, whether on or off the pitch, these two Real Madrid teammates will inevitably cross paths on the World Cup field today, and their potential interactions will be closely scrutinized by the outside world.
Spanish media have often hinted at a strained relationship between them, citing an argument during halftime of a La Liga match in February as evidence. Additionally, a telling scene emerged: after Real Madrid's match against Oviedo on May 14, cameras captured Bellingham clearly avoiding the Frenchman and heading straight to the locker room.
Regardless, since Mbappé joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024—when Bellingham had already been there for a year—there has been no shortage of friction between these two strong-willed players. To help the new signing integrate quickly, then-Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti soon implemented a tactical system that moved Bellingham to the left wing, a decision Bellingham felt was unfair treatment.
Source: L'Equipe
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虎扑 - 足球Neutral / independent
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L'Équipe: Mbappé and Bellingham Have Had Confrontations but Respect Each Other; Third-Place Match Will Be a Direct Showdown