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From Staunch Defender to Fierce Critic, Rothen Breaks Definitively with Mbappé

Once an unwavering supporter of Kylian Mbappé, RMC consultant Jérôme Rothen has become one of his harshest critics. A gradual rupture, which began at Euro 2020, nearly resulted in legal action.

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From Staunch Defender to Fierce Critic, Rothen Breaks Definitively with Mbappé
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Jérôme Rothen and Kylian Mbappé once enjoyed a privileged relationship: the consultant had even hosted the striker twice on his radio show, regularly defending him against his detractors.

The turning point appears to have come during Euro 2020, held in 2021. The rupture then accelerated when Mbappé left Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid, with Rothen multiplying his criticism of the player’s individualism and his communication. “I no longer have his voice, no longer have his image, but it doesn’t matter, I have my life and I don’t need Mbappé and his entourage to move forward,” he declared in October 2025.

Tension between the two men even nearly took a legal turn. According to L’Équipe, the Mbappé camp had at one point considered legal action against Rothen, as well as against journalist Romain Molina and rapper Booba. In a bid to ease tensions, this option was ultimately abandoned.

From unconditional supporter to regular critic, Rothen’s reversal illustrates how Mbappé’s media trajectory since leaving PSG has reconfigured the alliances surrounding the France captain.

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