Kylian Mbappé’s knee misdiagnosis on 9 Jul 2026 has forced Real Madrid to revamp their medical department, prompting the departure of former head Felipe Segura and the recruitment of Monaco’s Alexandre Creuze. The club’s leadership says the overhaul aims to stop a cascade of injuries that hampered last season.
What triggered the medical shake‑up?
The trigger was a scan performed on the wrong leg during Mbappé’s recovery, a mistake reported by *The Athletic* in March. The error exposed deeper flaws in the club’s injury‑prevention protocols and coincided with a record 28 injuries after the Club World Cup. President Florentino Perez blamed the chaotic pre‑season for the surge.
How will the new staff change player care?
Niko Mihic, who replaced Segura in January, will now work alongside Creuze, the former Monaco medical chief. Creuze oversaw the Frenchman’s health when he was at PSG, giving him insight into Mbappé’s needs. Antonio Dias, Mourinho’s trusted fitness coach from Benfica, also joins, promising a unified approach to conditioning.
What does this mean for Mbappé and the squad?
Mbappé, who travelled with Mihic to specialists alongside players like Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rüdiger, expects faster, more accurate assessments. The revamped team hopes to keep stars such as Vinícius Júnior and Brahim Díaz on the pitch longer. Mourinho, arriving Friday, will meet the new staff before the squad begins tests on Monday.
When will the impact be visible?
Real Madrid’s first competitive fixtures under the new regime start in early August, giving the medical crew just weeks to implement changes. If the injury count drops from the 28 recorded last season, the overhaul could be deemed a success before the Champions League group stage begins.
Why does this matter beyond Madrid?
The episode highlights how elite clubs treat medical errors as strategic failures. Mbappé’s high‑profile case may push other top teams to audit their own health departments, especially as player longevity becomes a competitive edge in modern football.