Real Madrid has carefully edited out Kylian Mbappe from its latest social media campaign for its new clothing line.
The image appeared first on Jude Bellingham’s Instagram account. The England international’s initial share displayed Madrid’s new #9 leaning on the couch in the background.
The image was promptly taken down, inviting a whole slew of speculation.
Why did Bellingham replace the original image?
A French sports media outlet reported that Nike executives caught wind of the campaign and issued an immediate takedown order. Nike didn’t want one of its marquee brand ambassadors seen wearing Adidas Three Stripes, which are Real Madrid’s official kit sponsor.
As reported by Sports Zone, that theory has been criticized as a distraction. After all, Nike ambassador Eduardo Camavinga appeared in the advertisement.
Some fans think the club is taking precautions over the French striker’s rape accusations.
During the international break, 25-year-old Mbappe was spotted partying at the Bank Hotel in Sweden. The sighting already put him in hot water with French fans who wanted to see their striker playing against Israel that day. After all, the “injured” Mbappe had just reappeared for Madrid against Valencia before the break.
According to RMC Sport and Swedish publication Expressen, Swedish police have confirmed that Mbappe is the subject of a complaint for rape and sexual assault. The player immediately declared the accusations false news on Twitter.
The rape reports emerged just as Mbappe and his old employers, PSG, went to court over the player’s unpaid wages and bonuses amounting to $60m. PSG continues to appeal the order as the ruling committee (The French League) deliberates over the conclusions.
Football fans are now left wondering what to make of the rape allegations and potential smear campaign against Mbappe. Due to this cloudiness, Real Madrid likely removed Mbappe from Tuesday’s ‘Artist Pack’ campaign launch.
What do you make of all this?
