PSG supporters don't sing Mbappe's name at the Parc des Princes like they do Edinson Cavani.
That may seem like a trivial thing but itâs part of a larger issue between the Frenchman and the clubâs most passionate supporters.
In a recent article, LâEquipe paints the picture of a cold relationship between MbappĂ© and the Ultras that has turned frigid in recent weeks.
Following the 2-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund, the Ultras held up a banner calling out MbappĂ©, Thiago Silva, and Neymar Jr. Their words didnât go unnoticed and MbappĂ© responded on social media.
After the 4-0 win over Dijon FCO, in which Mbappé was easily the best player on the pitch, the 21-year-old FIFA World Cup winner walked off the pitch without thanking the supporters with his teammates.
âHe [MbappĂ©] has everything to be our darling, even more than Neymar or Cavani,â a source close to PSG told LâEquipe. âBut itâs true that it remains mixed. He doesnât have a song in his name, for example.â
There have been other clashes between Mbappé and the supporters since he arrived in 2017.
As the LâEquipe article details, last season, after the shocking loss to Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League, 500 Ultras were invited to a training session where they proceeded to insult the players and MbappĂ© in particular.
Itâs important to remember that MbappĂ© didnât come through the PSG academy. Itâs also well established that he grew up with posters of Cristiano Ronaldo on his wall and heâs claimed that Zinedine Zidane was his idol as a youngster dreaming of playing professional football.
Thatâs not to say MbappĂ© doesnât have PSG in his heart. He could have signed for any top club in the world in 2017 when he was with AS Monaco but decided to come to Paris to cement his legacy in French football by bringing a Champions League title to PSG.
What it does indicate is that unlike Cavani, whose name is sung around the Parc des Princes, MbappĂ©âs time in Paris is going to be shortlived with Real Madrid likely planning a summer bid.
Mbappé has yet to sign a contract extension with PSG to keep him at the club past 2022 and with that lack of long-term commitment, the supporters are going to be more critical of their superstar especially when he fails to deliver in the Champions League.
Another issue the fans have with MbappĂ© is his arrogance that has bubbled over the top at times this season. Twice, MbappĂ© has argued with his manager after being substituted off by Thomas Tuchel. For the supporters, it comes across as disrespectful to the other players on the bench even if MbappĂ© doesnât mean it that way and is just being uber-competitive.
âHe [MbappĂ©] does nothing calculated, everything is spontaneous in there,â a source close to the locker room tells LâEquipe. âMaybe he should be more calculating? You are not going to win the hearts of the public because your name is MbappĂ© or Neymar, the Parc is demanding.â
Of course, MbappĂ© could put all of this to rest by signing a contract extension before the match against Dortmund, which would indicate heâs committed to PSG no matter what happens in the Champions League this season.
MbappĂ© could also thank the supporters for their efforts after matches. He may not have liked their banner, but if there is anyone who can understand emotions getting the best of someone, it would be PSGâs number 7.