Kylian Mbappé’s first venture as a football club owner is falling far short of expectations. On September 25, 2024, the Real Madrid star became the majority shareholder of SM Caen, a team competing in France’s second division.

However, just five months later, the situation has become dire, with the ultras opposing the new ownership and the club teetering on the brink of relegation to the third division.

The team has suffered six consecutive defeats under their new coach, Baltazar, whose strategies have failed to deliver results. Fans are growing increasingly frustrated with Mbappé, and SM Caen is mired in a crisis that has yet to find a solution.

This weekend, the side lost 0-1 to Grenoble, a direct competitor in the fight for survival, sparking outrage among the club’s loyal supporters. Earlier this year, the ultras displayed a banner criticizing Mbappé, declaring that “Caen is not a toy” and demanding investments that align with their expectations.

Mbappé the youngest football club owner ever

Mbappé, who owns 80% of the club’s shares, made history as the youngest football club owner ever. He appointed Hammoud, a former Premier Padel president and longtime associate of Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, as president of SM Caen. However, Hammoud’s management has yielded little success so far.

Controversy began early on with the dismissal of Nicolas Seube, a club legend with over 17 years of service in French football. The decision, announced with minimal acknowledgment or tribute, provoked widespread criticism across northwest France.

Following Seube’s departure, Mbappé and the board appointed Baltazar, a coach with scant experience in French football. Baltazar had recently left Polish football after failing to meet expectations there. Under his leadership, SM Caen has continued to struggle, losing his first two matches as head coach.

The anticipated turnaround has yet to materialise, further amplifying tensions within the club. As the situation deteriorates, Mbappé, a prominent figure in the football world, has found himself at the centre of mounting scrutiny.

Currently, SM Caen sits in 16th place in Ligue 2, occupying a relegation play-off spot. With just one win in the past two and a half months, the team faces an urgent need to change course to avoid a catastrophic relegation in Mbappé’s inaugural year as owner. Supported by Hammoud and his mother, Fayza Lamari, Mbappé is reportedly analysing the reasons for the club’s struggles.

The Real Madrid forward plans to make decisive moves during the winter transfer window to reinvigorate the team and prevent further decline.