Kylian Mbappe Left Frustrated by VAR Offside Calls as Real Madrid Overcome Mallorca
When Kylian Mbappe decided to swap Paris for Madrid this summer, fans expected fireworks from the French superstar. And to be fair, he has delivered plenty already. Three goals in his first two La Liga appearances suggested that he was going to dominate Spain’s top flight with the same ruthless edge he once brought to Ligue 1.
But football has a way of reminding even the biggest names that nothing is ever guaranteed. Against Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabéu, Mbappe was left shaking his head as VAR twice denied him goals, ruling the first out for what can only be described as a “sleeve offside” and the second for a more clear-cut infringement. While Real Madrid still came away with a 2-0 victory thanks to Arda Guler and Vinícius Júnior, the Frenchman walked away with his first blank of the season — and plenty to say about modern refereeing technology.
Kylian Mbappe and the VAR sleeve offside controversy
It took less than ten minutes for Mbappe to think he had added to his tally. His movement was sharp, his finishing clinical, and the Bernabéu faithful were already mid-celebration when the referee put his finger to his ear. Moments later, the giant screens inside the stadium confirmed what no fan wants to see: the dreaded VAR check.
The decision? Offside — but only just. According to the automated offside technology now used in La Liga, a tiny part of Mbappe’s sleeve had strayed beyond Mallorca’s defensive line. The margin was so fine that screenshots shared on social media after the game looked more like a geometry lesson than a football ruling.
Mbappe himself didn’t hide his feelings. After the final whistle, he took to Instagram to share the very image that VAR officials had relied upon. The post, cryptic but loaded with intent, hinted at frustration — and perhaps even disbelief — at being punished for an advantage that didn’t seem to exist in the spirit of the game.
For a player who thrives on rhythm and confidence, those kinds of interruptions can be maddening. Yet Mbappe kept pressing forward, determined to get his goal.
Second time unlucky: Real Madrid striker denied again
The French forward thought he had made amends later in the first half. Another darting run behind the defense, another composed finish past the goalkeeper — and another roar from the home crowd. But for the second time in 45 minutes, VAR intervened.
This time, though, the call was far less debatable. Mbappe was at least a foot beyond the last defender before the pass was played. He didn’t bother arguing, and the referee’s confirmation felt routine compared to the earlier controversy.
Still, two disallowed goals in a single half is a rare experience for any striker, let alone one who arrived in Madrid with the expectation of being the ultimate difference-maker. Mbappe wore the disappointment on his face, even as his teammates pushed on without him.
Arda Guler and Vinícius Júnior step up for Los Blancos
The night did not belong to Mbappe, but it still belonged to Madrid. With the game finely poised, Arda Guler once again showed why so many inside the club rate him as a future superstar. The Turkish youngster opened the scoring with a clever finish, sparking energy back into the Bernabéu.
Not long after, Vinícius Júnior made sure the three points were safe. The Brazilian, who has formed an instant chemistry with Mbappe on and off the pitch, cut inside with his trademark flair before firing into the corner. The scoreboard read 2-0, and while it didn’t flatter Mallorca — who fought hard and carved out chances of their own — Madrid’s quality in attack ultimately made the difference.
VAR debate continues to divide La Liga
The bigger story, however, wasn’t the goals that stood. It was the ones that didn’t. Spanish football has embraced semi-automated offside technology, but nights like this make many wonder whether the game is becoming too clinical.
Supporters argue that football should be about goals, not about freezing frames to measure millimeters of a sleeve. Critics of the system point out that while technology eliminates human error, it doesn’t eliminate controversy — it simply moves the debate from the referee’s judgment to the lines drawn on a screen.
Mbappe, like so many forwards in today’s game, will have to adapt. He’s quick enough to live on the shoulder of defenders, but VAR means that the tiniest mistiming can cost him. And yet, his reaction — sharing the graphic online — shows he’s not prepared to simply accept these moments without a fight.
What’s next for Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid?
Despite the frustrations, the bigger picture remains positive for Mbappe. Three goals in three matches, even with this goalless outing, is still an excellent return for a player adjusting to a new league. More importantly, Madrid have started the season with maximum points, setting the tone for a campaign in which they’ll expect to challenge on all fronts.
Up next? A tricky away trip to Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium after the international break. It will be the first real test for Carlo Ancelotti’s side against one of La Liga’s strongest home teams. For Mbappe, it’s another chance to turn frustration into fuel — and perhaps remind Spain why Madrid broke the bank to bring him in.
And who knows? Maybe next time, his sleeve will stay onside.
Final thoughts: Mbappe, VAR, and the fine margins
Football has always been a game of inches, but with VAR it sometimes feels like it’s a game of millimeters. For Kylian Mbappe, the Mallorca match was a reminder that even the world’s biggest stars are not immune to the cold calculations of modern technology.
The good news for Real Madrid is that they don’t need Mbappe to score every week to win. The bad news for La Liga defenders? He’ll be more determined than ever when he steps out again.
If the Frenchman felt hard done by against Mallorca, Real Sociedad should be warned: a frustrated Kylian Mbappe is usually a dangerous one.
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