Kylian Mbappe’s Caen relegated to French third division
Kylian Mbappe’s Caen has been relegated to the third division of French football following a 0-3 defeat to Martigues. The news comes as a blow to the club, with the French star holding 80% of the club’s shares. Despite his influential role in the club’s ownership, Mbappe has faced heavy criticism from Caen’s supporters.
In the aftermath of the club’s relegation, fans voiced their displeasure with Mbappe, shouting “The Caen is not your toy.” This sentiment follows a month of growing frustration, which began after the sacking of coach Nicolas Seube.
Mbappe’s connection to Caen is long-standing. At 15 years old, he passed a trial with the club, but due to Caen's failure to secure promotion to Ligue 1, they could not afford the investment in his development. As a result, Mbappe chose to join Monaco’s youth ranks, eventually making his mark in top-tier football at Real Madrid. Nevertheless, he has maintained his love for Caen and, after acquiring the club, took on its debts and blocked the sale of key player Alexandre Mendy to Sunderland.
Despite the relegation, Mbappe remains the key figure at the club. Former Inter player Yann M'Vila, who recently joined Caen at the age of 34, credited Mbappe’s involvement as the main reason for his decision to accept the club’s offer, despite alternative opportunities in Saudi Arabia. The club also boasts Parfait Mandanda, the brother of Marseille legend Steve Mandanda, among their ranks.
Though Caen’s current situation is grim, the club remains determined to rebuild. Their primary goal is to return to Ligue 1, but that will require a serious restructuring after a disappointing season that saw them fail to meet promotion expectations. With only 21 points from 31 games and one of the weakest attacks in Ligue 2, the club faces a tough road ahead.
