Mbappe vs Orelsan: Rap Lyric Sparks Feud Over Caen Ownership

Kylian Mbappe and Orelsan Clash Over Caen Ownership in Rap Lyric Row

Kylian Mbappe’s ongoing involvement with French club Caen has taken center stage in a heated dispute with rapper Orelsan, drawing national attention to issues of football ownership, local identity, and celebrity culture. The feud began when Orelsan, a Normandy native and acclaimed artist, referenced the Real Madrid star’s troubled tenure at Caen in his new track “La Petite Voix,” rapping, “Yeah, you’re going to sink your city like the Mbappes.” The lyric was a direct jab at Mbappe’s family ownership of Caen, which has struggled since his investment.

Mbappe Responds to Orelsan’s Jibe

The barbed line did not go unnoticed. Kylian Mbappe, known for keeping a low profile off the pitch, took to X (formerly Twitter) to publicly challenge Orelsan. He accused the rapper of hypocrisy, claiming, “You’re welcome to come and save the city you love so much. PS: The guy kept begging us to get in with 1% without paying because he’s broke.” The message immediately went viral, splitting public opinion between football fans loyal to Mbappe and hip-hop followers supporting Orelsan’s bold satire.

Orelsan’s Calm Reaction to Mbappe’s ‘Broke’ Insult

Amid the social media firestorm, Orelsan broke his silence during a book-signing in Caen. Refusing to escalate the conflict, he stated, “I’m not talking about it right now; I prefer to think about it rather than react impulsively. I prefer to save my answers for when I’ve thought them through, in a more appropriate setting.” Sources close to Orelsan suggested he viewed Mbappe’s reaction as disproportionate and clarified the lyric was meant as social commentary, not a personal attack. Nonetheless, Mbappe’s reply propelled “La Petite Voix” atop streaming charts, while Orelsan’s album “La Fuite en Avant” climbed to the top of Spotify France.

Caen’s Football Crisis at the Heart of the Feud

At the core of this public spat is a deeper concern: the ongoing crisis at Stade Malherbe Caen. In 2024, Mbappe’s firm Coalition Capital acquired an 80% stake in the club, investing €20 million. Hopes were high for a revival, but within a year, Caen was relegated from Ligue 2 for the first time in four decades. Supporters’ frustration boiled over with pitch invasions and banners reading, “Mbappe, SMC is not your toy.” Subsequent layoffs, dwindling attendance, and worsening debt have left the club in turmoil. Local fan groups, such as the Malherbe Normandy Kop, have openly criticized Mbappe’s ownership style, accusing his team of being disconnected and unresponsive to the fans and local community.

Cultural Clash: Football, Rap, and Generational Divides

The Mbappe-Orelsan feud has resonated far beyond football. Veteran rapper Booba, known for his own history of social commentary, weighed in on social media, supporting Orelsan and reigniting a longstanding tension between football stars and France’s rap scene. For many observers, the dispute highlights a generational clash: Mbappe, the global sporting icon and brand, versus Orelsan, the introspective artist rooted in provincial tradition. As the feud trends online, it exposes questions about authenticity, ego, and the role of celebrities in local affairs.

Mbappe and Orelsan: The Impact on Their Legacies

For Kylian Mbappe, the fallout from Caen’s decline has dented his image as a flawless ambassador for French football. Once celebrated for his on-field brilliance and off-field leadership, he now faces criticism for his handling of Caen and his sharp retort to Orelsan. Meanwhile, Orelsan’s willingness to address local issues in his music has won him both praise and controversy, underlining the power of rap as social commentary in France.

Booba’s Involvement and the Future of the Feud

Booba’s public endorsement of Orelsan’s stance has intensified the debate, further blurring the lines between music and sport. His remarks—“But Orelsan isn’t broke, and he spoke his mind”—added fuel to the fire, ensuring the story continues to dominate headlines. Caen, meanwhile, sits mid-table in the National League after 13 matches, still seeking the stability and leadership it desperately needs.

Opinion: Celebrity Feuds Mask Deeper Football Problems

While the Mbappe-Orelsan feud has captured the public imagination, it also distracts from Caen’s urgent need for coherent management and open communication with its supporters. Celebrity culture and social media drama may drive streams and headlines, but the real challenge remains on the pitch and in the boardroom. For more news and in-depth coverage, visit for more news.