Real Madrid's star striker, Kylian Mbappe, has been hospitalized in Miami with acute gastroenteritis, sidelining him from the opening stages of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The news broke on Thursday, June 19, 2025, just a day after the Frenchman missed Real Madrid's disappointing 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.

The club released a statement confirming Mbappe's condition, stating that he was admitted to a Miami hospital for tests and treatment. Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever and chills. The illness can be caused by various factors, including viral or bacterial infections, or even food poisoning.

Mbappe's hospitalization is a significant blow to Real Madrid's campaign in the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, being held in the United States from June 14 to July 13. The newly signed star, who made a high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, was expected to be a key figure in the team's quest for the title. His absence was keenly felt in the match against Al Hilal, where Real Madrid struggled to break down the Saudi Arabian side, ultimately drawing the match. Gonzalo Garcia stepped up in place of Mbappe for the Al Hilal match, and scored in the 34th minute.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso expressed his hope that Mbappe would recover quickly and be available for the team's next match against Pachuca on Sunday. However, the hospitalization casts doubt on his participation in the upcoming group stage match, and potentially, the entire tournament.

The Club World Cup features 32 teams divided into eight groups of four, mirroring the format of the FIFA World Cup. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stages. This year also marks Xabi Alonso's debut as manager for Real Madrid.

Mbappe's illness comes at an unfortunate time, not only for Real Madrid but also for FIFA, which is hoping to elevate the Club World Cup into a premier global football event. With Lionel Messi also participating, Mbappe's presence was expected to draw significant attention and boost the tournament's profile. A crowd of over 62,000 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami missed the chance to see Mbappe in action during the Al Hilal match.

Real Madrid will hope that Mbappe's condition improves rapidly, allowing him to rejoin the squad and contribute to their campaign. However, until he recovers, the team will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the void left by his absence. The Spanish giants are aiming to add another Club World Cup title to their impressive trophy collection, but they will face a tough challenge without their star striker.