Kylian Mbappe Hospitalized with Acute Gastroenteritis, Misses Club World Cup Game

Published: June 19, 2025

French soccer star Kylian Mbappe has been hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as the stomach flu. The 26-year-old team, Real Madrid, announced that Mbappe will undergo a series of tests and follow the appropriate course of treatment.

Mbappe missed Real Madrid's opening game in the Club World Cup tournament in Miami on Wednesday, June 18. The team's head coach, Xabi Alonso, had hoped that the 2018 World Cup winner would be available for the team's next game on Sunday, June 22. However, it's unclear if Mbappe's hospitalization changes the timeline for his return.

As one of the most popular athletes in the world with over 138 million followers on Instagram and X, his absence from the tournament is a major blow to its appeal.

Gastroenteritis, commonly called the stomach flu despite not being influenza, is an infection that can cause a person to have watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.

Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days. The most common issue that comes from the illness is dehydration.

Hospitalization might be needed so that lost fluids can be replaced through an IV in their arms.

In the past, Mbappe has pushed through several injuries in order to return to the pitch during major tournaments. Last year, the French soccer star played through a broken nose during the European Championship tournament, opting to wear a face mask in order to rejoin his team.

Real Madrid is in the U.S. for the next month as the Club World Cup continues across the country, with its final being played on July 13. Real Madrid were among the favorites to win the first-of-its-kind tournament, which is a precursor to next year's FIFA World Cup.