Mbappe still in hot water: Caen owner SLAMMED by own player

Tom Weber

Updated: 1 Apr 2025 12:32 BST
4 min read

Kylian Mbappe, SM Caen fans — © IMAGO/Damien Deslandes

Kylian Mbappe has been slammed by an SM Caen player for his ownership of the club.

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The Real Madrid superstar acquired the Ligue 2 side through his investment firm Coalition Capital last summer as the club had fallen on tough times financially.

Despite the economic problems, Caen still managed to achieve top-half finishes in their past three seasons, so there was optimism that Mbappe's ownership could push the side toward a promotion challenge.

Caen finished seventh in Ligue 1 as recently as 2016, but the side are now a far cry from the one that competed in the top flight. In fact, since Mbappe's takeover, things have taken a turn for the worse.

The 26-year-old's team are currently rock bottom in Ligue 2 after losing a whopping 19 of their 28 games so far. Caen, who sit 18th, are currently eight points off Clermont Foot in 17th.

Mbappe under fire again

In early January, Caen supporters protested against the ownership of Mbappe after the sacking of Bruno Baltazar. “Before shining on the world stage, respect the local figures,” one fan banner read, with another bluntly stating: “Mbappe, SMC is not your toy.”

However, the frustration with the new ownership goes much deeper. Even the players are seemingly fed up with the situation, with star striker - and all-time record goalscorer - Alexandre Mendy now criticising Mbappe and company.

"It’s a reflection of our season," Mendy told BeIN Sports after Monday's 4-2 loss to Paris FC. "I’m speaking for myself, but when you start a new season with the wrong energy - everyone knows what happened during the transfer window for several players - this is what it looks like today. We’ll fight until the end, but we only reap what we sow.”

Mendy still holds a major grudge against Mbappe and the rest of the owners after they blocked his already-agreed summer transfer to Sunderland last year.

He told Footmercato last summer: "I don't want to engage in a power struggle with the club but today, I am very affected by this situation. I do not understand, I feel wronged and betrayed. My decision was made in January and since June my destination has been known. I am waiting for my departure. New investors have arrived, I am at their entire disposal."