Mbappé controversy erupts as Real Madrid star outraged by use of his image in advertising

Kylian Mbappé finds himself at the center of a fresh controversy—this time not involving Real Madrid, but the French national team as it prepares for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

According to L’Équipe, the Madrid forward was left deeply dissatisfied after his image, along with photos of several of his national teammates, was used in a betting company's advertising campaign without his consent.

Sources say the betting brand published a photo featuring Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, and Désiré Doué ahead of a friendly against Ivory Coast, without notifying the players about the commercial use of the image.

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It is noted that both Mbappé and Rayan Cherki expressed their dissatisfaction and made their stance clear to the leadership of the French Football Federation. Mbappé has previously spoken out about gambling and its impact, emphasizing in interviews that he is cautious about working with brands tied to the betting industry and highlighting the social issues it can cause.