Kylian Mbappé is facing a growing backlash from Real Madrid supporters after being spotted on holiday in Sardinia while recovering from a a hamstring injury.
The controversy comes just days before Sunday's Clasico against Barcelona, the biggest match in Spanish soccer.
An online petition calling for 'Mbappe out' has ballooned to nearly 30 million signatures, though it remains unclear how many signatories are genuine Madrid fans.
Mbappé, 27, traveled to Italy with actress Ester Expósito last weekend. Photos of him aboard a yacht surfaced while Real Madrid were playing Espanyol.
“Part of the criticism is based on an overinterpretation of elements related to a recovery period strictly supervised by the club,” Mbappé said in a statement.
Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa defended him: 'In his free time, Mbappe can do whatever he wants.'
Madrid has little left to play for this season-eliminated from the Champions League and Copa del Rey, and 11 points behind Barcelona in La Liga with only four games remaining.
The French star has scored 85 goals in 100 appearances since joining Real Madrid.