From Crisis to Comeback: Mbappe’s Health Scare Opens New Chapter | OneFootball

French star lost 6kg during Club World Cup illness—but could it actually benefit him?

From Crisis to Comeback: Mbappe’s Health Scare Opens New Chapter

French superstar Kylian Mbappe faced severe health scare during the 2025 FIFA Club World cup but what seemed like setback may turn into unexpected advantage.

While representing Real Madrid in the tournament held in the United States Mbappe was rushed to hospital with serious gastrointestinal infection. The illness left him exhausted and forced him to miss multiple games as he recovered under strict medical supervision.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, the forward lost around 6 kilogram during the short illness period an observation fans quickly noticed once he returned to action with visibly leaner physique.

Despite the alarming weight loss, Mbappe's recovery has been surprisingly quick & efficient thanks to physiological phenomenon known as "muscle memory". Well trained athletes like him can regain lost strength, speed and flexibility more rapidly after temporary decline in physical form.

Not the First: Messi’s 2014 Lesson

Mbappe’s case isn't unique. In 2014 Lionel Messi experienced similar struggles due to poor dietary habits. Spanish media revealed that Messi consumed double cheese pizza after games. His form dipped and Cristiano Ronaldo won the Ballon d’or that year.

Messi then turned to Italian nutritionist Giuliano Poser , cut out sugar and soda and lost over 3kg in 2015. He bounced back in prime form and reclaimed the Ballon d’Or.