Misdiagnosis of Kylian Mbappé’s Knee Injury Raises Questions About Clinical Oversight
Real Madrid reportedly conducted an MRI scan on the wrong knee while assessing Kylian Mbappé’s injury in December, delaying proper diagnosis of a posterior ligament tear and exposing the star to further risk.
Published: March 26th, 2026
4 min read
Recent reports have revealed that Real Madrid’s medical staff mistakenly performed an MRI scan on Mbappe’s right knee instead of his injured left knee.
Because clinicians found no issues with the uninjured limb, Mbappe was cleared to continue playing and competed in three further matches despite ongoing discomfort. A later examination finally revealed a partial posterior ligament tear in the correct knee.
Why This Incident Raises Grounds for a Clinical Negligence Claim
A breach of fundamental clinical safety protocols
Performing diagnostic imaging on the wrong limb is a deviation from standard verification procedures. These errors are often classified as ‘Never Events’ because they are entirely preventable and carry clear risks of avoidable harm.
A breach of fundamental clinical safety protocols
Performing diagnostic imaging on the wrong limb is a deviation from standard verification procedures. These errors are often classified as ‘Never Events’ because they are entirely preventable and carry clear risks of avoidable harm.
Direct causation through delay
Because the correct knee was unassessed, Mbappe continued training and competing – which exposed the injured ligament to further strain. A delay in diagnosis is a recognised cause of worsening injuries and prolonged recovery.
Loss of opportunity for early intervention
A timely identification of ligament injuries is key. Misdiagnosis prevented access to early stabilisation, rest, and targeted treatment- which reduces the chance of optimal recovery.
Increased physical and psychological burden
Mbappe playing without a correct diagnosis places considerable stress on the injured joint and creates psychological pressure such as; anxiety about long term damage and a reduced trust in medical advice.
Systematic governance concerns
A wrong- site MRI suggest that systemic issues like; communication breakdowns, inadequate verification processes and insufficient clinical oversight- are all arguments that strengthen negligence.
The misdiagnosis highlighted in Kylian Mbappé’s case is a high‑profile example of how clinical errors such as; including wrong‑site investigations and delayed diagnosis can lead to avoidable harm. While most patients are not elite athletes, the consequences of medical mistakes can be just as significant for anyone affected.
The cost to the individual sounds in damages for pain and suffering and loss of amenity. If the prognosis caused by he misdiagnosis and delay had impacted his sporting career the costs to him would likely have been signifincant.
In my experience it is rare for such an obvious mistake to take place, but they do, and are categorised as ‘never events’ .
How Forbes Solicitors Can Help You
At Forbes Solicitors, our expert Clinical Negligence team can discuss your experience, assess whether the care you received fell below an acceptable standard, and determine whether you may have grounds for a claim. We provide support and offer consultations via telephone, video call, or in any of our offices.
If you have suffered harm due to a misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or any other form of medical negligence, our dedicated team is here to help you understand your rights and next steps.
For further information please contact Leonie Millard
