French football star Kylian Mbappé has come under fire following the controversial sacking of Stade Malherbe Caen’s head coach Nicolas Seube. Critics, including former players, accuse Mbappé of disregarding the club’s values after his recent takeover of the Ligue 2 team through his investment firm. The decision has sparked heated debates about the club’s future and Mbappé’s leadership.
Mbappé’s Caen takeover: A surprising move with high stakes
Shortly after joining Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, Kylian Mbappé made headlines with his unexpected acquisition of an 80% stake in Stade Malherbe Caen via his investment vehicle, Interconnected Ventures. The €15 million ($16 million) personal investment was seen as a bold move by the World Cup winner to expand his influence beyond the pitch.
However, the takeover hasn’t translated into immediate success for the club. Caen currently sits 16th in the Ligue 2 standings, raising concerns about the team’s performance under Mbappé’s majority ownership. The decision to part ways with Nicolas Seube, who has been a key figure at the club, appears to be a direct response to the disappointing season so far.
Criticism mounts over Seube’s dismissal
The sacking of Seube on Sunday has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from former Caen defender Brahim Thiam. Speaking to radio station France Bleu, Thiam expressed his frustration with the decision, calling it “disrespectful” and accusing Mbappé and his management team of abandoning the club’s historical values.
“It’s as if we kicked Nicolas Seube in the butt,” says Brahim Thiam
Thiam, who played for Caen from 2005 to 2009, lamented the treatment of Seube, a figure he considers emblematic of the club. “I’m not saying that Nicolas Seube, through his time at the club, had a totem of immunity because the results are not good,” Th
Thiam stated. “But I don’t even take that into account. I’m just wondering: is this the new Malherbe? Is it forgetting a little bit the history, the values of this club? This decision doesn’t surprise me. I don’t have the words to describe it.”
Thiam also highlighted Seube’s legacy at the club, noting his contributions as a player and coach over the years. “I think that Nicolas Seube is probably the emblematic player of the last 30 years at Caen. From the moment Pierre-Antoine Capton sold 80% of the club’s shares to the Mbappé family, Nicolas Seube’s future was in doubt. That’s my personal conviction.”
What’s next for Caen under Mbappé’s leadership?
The controversy has cast a shadow over Mbappé’s ambitions as a club owner and raised questions about his management style. While the decision to dismiss Seube was likely driven by the team’s lackluster performance, critics argue that such moves risk alienating loyal fans and tarnishing the club’s identity.
Mbappé has yet to publicly address the backlash, leaving many to speculate on his long-term vision for Caen. The club is now tasked with finding a new head coach capable of turning their season around while navigating the scrutiny that comes with being under the ownership of one of football’s biggest stars.
As the Ligue 2 season progresses, all eyes will remain on Caen to see if Mbappé’s investment will pay off, both on and off the field. For now, the debate over Seube’s dismissal serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with blending business, sports, and legacy.
