In a shocking twist that has sent tremors through the Juventus fanbase and Italian football media alike, rising star Kenan Yildiz has publicly accused teammates Manuel Locatelli and Randal Kolo Muani of deliberately ignoring him on the pitch during the club’s devastating 1–0 defeat to Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final.
“They never pass me the ball. It’s been going on for weeks. Against Madrid, it cost us the fans.”
The 20-year-old Turkish international made the comments during an explosive post-match interview with Sky Italia — comments that have sparked a civil war in the Juventus dressing room and ignited fierce debate across social media. Fans are now questioning whether long-standing cracks in the squad are finally bursting open at the seams.
A Club World Cup Collapse — and a Flashpoint
Juventus entered their semi-final clash against Real Madrid with high hopes. Under manager Thiago Motta, the team had shown flashes of brilliance en route to the final four of the FIFA Club World Cup. With players like Yildiz, Chiesa, Vlahović, and new summer signing Kolo Muani, Juventus seemed to be transitioning into a fluid, attacking side capable of going toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite.
But what fans witnessed in the Bernabéu was a tactical and emotional collapse.
The Bianconeri were outclassed in every department by a ruthless Real Madrid team, with goals from new Madrid boy sealing a dominant 1-0 win for Los Blancos. Juventus registered just two shots on target the entire game — both in the second half — and failed to create a single big chance for their attacking players.
One of the most glaring issues throughout the match was the isolation of Yildiz, who repeatedly made intelligent runs into space — only to be ignored by teammates. Time and time again, Locatelli opted for horizontal passes, and Kolo Muani chose to go it alone, dribbling into defenders instead of laying the ball off to the unmarked Yildiz.
The Outburst Heard Around Turin
It was after the final whistle, however, that the real fireworks began.
While most players trudged off in silence, Yildiz faced the media and made a statement that will be remembered for years:
“I try my best. Every training, every game. But if I keep getting frozen out, what do you expect me to do? Kolo [Muani] and Locatelli — they never pass me the ball. It’s not just today. It’s been happening for weeks. It made us lose the fans tonight.”
Those within the press room fell silent, visibly stunned by the young forward’s brutal honesty.
And within minutes, the clip had gone viral.
Dressing Room Fallout: Motta Caught Off Guard
According to sources close to the club, head coach Thiago Motta was unaware of any specific rift between Yildiz, Locatelli, and Kolo Muani before the game. The manager has reportedly called an emergency meeting with all three players, aiming to defuse what could quickly become a locker room war.
A Juventus staff member, speaking anonymously to Tuttosport, said:
“Kenan’s frustration has been bubbling for some time. He’s one of the most creative players in the squad, but sometimes others don’t play to his strengths. Still, going public like that — it changes everything.”
Motta, a firm believer in tactical discipline and harmony, now finds himself in a nearly impossible situation. Benching Yildiz could send the wrong message to fans and risk alienating one of the club’s brightest prospects. But letting this rift fester could destroy the unity he’s tried to build.
Yildiz: A Star on the Rise, Now Facing Turbulence
Kenan Yildiz is no ordinary 20-year-old.
Touted as the heir to Paulo Dybala’s creative throne at Juventus, Yildiz has dazzled in recent months with his flair, vision, and ability to unlock defenses. He was instrumental in the team’s progress through the early stages of the Club World Cup and was named Juventus’ Young Player of the Season for the 2024/25 campaign.
But this outburst marks a sharp departure from the humble, team-first image he’s projected since joining from Bayern Munich’s academy in 2022.
Some insiders suggest the frustration stems not just from Madrid, but from a broader tactical issue: Yildiz has often been pushed out wide to accommodate Kolo Muani and Federico Chiesa, reducing his influence and limiting his touches. In recent matches, he’s been visibly frustrated, often gesturing after being ignored in space.
Locatelli and Kolo Muani: The Accused Stay Silent
As of Thursday morning, neither Locatelli nor Kolo Muani has responded publicly to Yildiz’s comments.
Locatelli, a Juventus academy product and typically a calm presence, is reportedly “furious” at the accusation. The midfielder believes his passing decisions are based on tactical instructions and not personal bias. In training, he is known as one of the squad’s most vocal leaders — someone who commands respect but is not afraid to speak his mind.
Kolo Muani, on the other hand, is in a more precarious position. Since his big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2025, he has yet to fully win over the Juventus faithful. While his athleticism and directness are clear, his decision-making has come under fire, with several pundits questioning whether he fits Motta’s preferred tactical system.
If Yildiz’s words further sway public opinion against the French forward, his already fragile place in the starting XI could be in jeopardy.
Fan Reaction: “KENAN SAID WHAT WE’VE BEEN THINKING”
Across fan forums, social media, and post-match phone-ins, supporters have reacted with a mixture of shock, support, and concern.
On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #SupportKenan quickly began trending in Italy and Turkey.
One popular fan page tweeted:
“Kenan said what we’ve been thinking for months. Locatelli plays it sideways. Kolo is selfish. And our best talent is being wasted.”
Others, however, urged caution:
“Calling out teammates on live TV isn’t leadership. It’s drama. Motta needs to put his foot down.”
But what almost all fans agree on is the central point: something is broken in the way Juventus are functioning on the pitch. Whether Yildiz’s public words help fix that, or only deepen the cracks, remains to be seen.
What Happens Now?
In the short term, Juventus will return to Turin with their Club World Cup dream shattered — and their dressing room on edge.
Thiago Motta now faces arguably his biggest test as Juventus manager. With pre-season looming and fan expectations soaring, he must:
- Repair the relationship between Yildiz and his teammates
- Reassert tactical clarity, ensuring that Juventus plays with more cohesion in the final third
- Decide on discipline: Should Yildiz be fined or benched for his comments? Or will he be backed publicly?
Club officials are expected to meet with Yildiz’s representatives this week to discuss the fallout and ensure the player still feels supported within the project. While a transfer is not on the table — yet — his discontent, now on full display, has already attracted attention from several clubs abroad, including Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.
Final Word: The Moment That Could Define a Generation
Football is full of flashpoints — moments where a single statement reshapes a career, a season, or an entire club’s direction.
For Kenan Yildiz, this may be one of them.
Was it the outburst of a frustrated prodigy fed up with being overlooked? Or the warning shot of a future leader demanding accountability?
Either way, Juventus now finds itself at a crossroads — not just tactically, but emotionally. And as the club regroups after the Madrid defeat, one thing is certain:
The silence between Yildiz, Kolo Muani, and Locatelli will speak volumes.
Stay with Serie A Insider for the latest developments from Turin as the fallout from Yildiz’s bombshell interview continues.
