Kylian Mbappé was sidelined for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener on Wednesday as the star forward recovers from an illness.

In the lead-up to the match, Mbappé had been held out of training due to an illness and fever. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso wanted to play it safe with the superstar (who had also recently played in the UEFA Nations League for France). Alonso did say that the club would wait to see how Mbappé felt on Wednesday and make a decision.

Kylian Mbappe has not been named in Real Madrid’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group H match against Al Hilal at the Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday.