After recovering from a bout of gastrointestinal illness, Kylian Mbappé finally stepped onto the pitch in the Club World Cup. The match, played in Miami Gardens, saw Real Madrid secure a narrow 1‑0 win over Juventus to advance to the quarter-finals.
With Mbappé sidelined for the group stage and treated in hospital, academy graduate Gonzalo García rose to the occasion. He scored the decisive goal with a powerful header, earning his third tournament goal before being substituted later in the match.
Mbappé entered the game in the 68th minute to a roaring ovation. Although he didn’t score, he linked well with Vinícius Júnior, showing promising sharpness as he reacclimatizes to competitive action.
Coach Xabi Alonso confirmed Mbappé is steadily improving: “I think every single day he is getting better,” and hinted that he may feature more prominently in the coming quarter-final, set for July 4 (Saturday) against Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey at MetLife Stadium.
Business Outstanders brings you sharp insights on tech, business, entrepreneurship, law, crypto, and more. We uncover what’s next. Stay updated, sign up for our newsletter and be part of the future!
