When Real Madrid handed Kylian Mbappe the keys to their legendary attack, they set a new course, one that could turn teammates into believers, rivals, or something in between.
Making Kylian Mbappe the out-and-out leader of Real Madrid’s attack under Xabi Alonso has sparked both a tactical revolution and a fierce debate within the dressing room and the fanbase.
The Frenchman’s sensational goalscoring record and newfound set-piece authority have raised Real Madrid’s offensive ceiling, but the changes have inevitably impacted the sense of seniority and belonging among other attacking stars, especially Vinicius Junior.
Kylian Mbappe’s Arrival: Slow Start, Electrifying Finish
When Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2024, expectations were sky high. Yet, his start was relatively slow. The French forward took a few weeks to settle into the number nine role, adapting to both the physicality of La Liga and the stylistic nuances Carlo Ancelotti expected.
By the end of the season, Kylian Mbappe burst into form, smashing records with 31 league goals and 44 across all competitions. His performances included historic hat-tricks in both domestic and European matches, a Pichichi Trophy, and the European Golden Shoe, a debut campaign that instantly justified Real Madrid’s long-standing pursuit.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Shared Leadership: Balancing Egos
One of Carlo Ancelotti’s toughest tasks during Kylian Mbappe’s debut season was managing the loaded egos within the offensive unit. Real Madrid boasted a trio of superstars, Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham, all hungry for a leadership mantle.
The coach opted for an egalitarian approach: penalty and free-kick duties were rotated, with no clear hierarchy established. This shared responsibility kept the harmony intact, even if it sometimes muddled Los Blancos’ clarity in high-pressure moments.
Vinicius, whose explosiveness and clutch moments were pivotal in the preceding years, continued to see himself as the team’s attacking reference. Bellingham remained a force in build-up play and in big matches. Yet, their shared leadership was tested by fluctuating results and missed chances, particularly in critical matches against rivals such as Barcelona.
The Xabi Alonso Revolution: Kylian Mbappe as the Focal Point
With Xabi Alonso’s arrival, the landscape has shifted. The former Spanish midfielder quickly ended the roulette of attacking duties: Mbappe, already the highest scorer, was installed as the primary set-piece taker for penalties and free-kicks. Alonso’s reasoning was clear: concentration of responsibility breeds accountability and consistency.
Statistics reinforce the impact: Kylian Mbappe already has nine goals and an assist in his seven outings this season, and generally, he has taken aim in all set-piece opportunities. His composure and decisive finishing have become central to Real Madrid’s attack, while Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham have had to adjust to more complementary roles.
Bellingham, still working back from a shoulder injury, is being eased in, and Vinicius finds himself rotated frequently with Rodrygo Goes, often missing out on key attacking duties.
Dressing Room Dynamics: Shifting Seniority
The decision to anoint Kylian Mbappe as leader brings sharp tactical benefits but also risks unsettling established hierarchies. Vinicius Junior, in particular, has felt the brunt of these changes. Once the undisputed leader of Real Madrid’s frontline, celebrated for his UEFA Champions League heroics and relentless energy, the Brazilian winger now finds his influence waning.
Vinicius took immense pride in being the club’s attacking spearhead. His form from 2022-2024 marked him as Real Madrid’s talisman, regularly carrying the team in crucial moments. However, under Xabi Alonso, his role has diminished: he is now often the second or third option, both in open play and on set pieces. This tactical shift has led to talk about his satisfaction and future with the club.
Contract Tensions and Future Uncertainty
Vinicius Junior’s contract situation has become a flashpoint in recent months. The Brazilian attacker’s agents are demanding terms that reflect not only his contributions but also compensation akin to the signing-on fee Kylian Mbappe received.
Real Madrid, in response, are digging in. The Merengues remain steadfast, refusing to meet Vinicius Junior’s salary and bonus requests, which many inside Madrid feel are only sustainable for a single global icon, not two.
Roc Nation Sports, Vinicius Junior’s agency, is pressing for a large renewal bonus, knowing that the Brazilian still has almost two years left on his deal. The impasse has led Real Madrid to issue a quiet but firm ultimatum: agree to the new contract terms before the final year expires, or expect to be sold next summer. The possibility of Vinicius leaving, possibly for the Premier League, looms larger than ever.
Can Kylian Mbappe’s Ascendancy Unite Real Madrid?
Xabi Alonso’s decision to centre the attack around Kylian Mbappe could be a double-edged sword. While scoring numbers and tactical clarity have improved, Real Madrid risk a rupture in the dressing room if secondary stars, especially Vinicius Junior, feel sidelined.
The 25-year-old attacker’s pride and sense of ownership over Real Madrid’s recent successes are not easily replaced. His frustration with both his role and contract negotiations is well documented, and sources close to the player suggest patience may be running thin, despite his public statements of loyalty.
With Jude Bellingham still getting back to full fitness, Rodrygo Goes in and out of the team, and Mbappe staking out a solo leadership posture, Alonso must walk a tightrope, creating a system where egos do not clash and roles are clearly defined without alienating legacy stars.
Can Real Madrid Avoid a Dressing Room Split?
The coming months will be pivotal. Can Vinicius Junior accept a secondary role, sacrificing individual glory for Kylian Mbappe’s consistency and Real Madrid’s silverware ambitions? Will Jude Bellingham’s return reshape the pecking order? Can Xabi Alonso foster an environment where egos coexist constructively rather than implode spectacularly?
If Real Madrid’s hierarchy and manager fail to manage these egos and contract negotiations wisely, the departure of the iconic number 7 could become a reality by next summer. Such a loss would not just weaken the attack; it could signal the end of an era and the start of a new Mbappe-centric Real Madrid with all its attendant possibilities and risks.
Ultimately, giving the Frenchman the armband, figuratively and tactically, may bring Madrid maximum statistical performance. But the price could be paid in dressing room harmony, player futures, and the collective spirit that defines elite teams. Alonso’s management and Florentino Perez’s negotiation skills will determine if Real Madrid thrive together or splinter under the weight of ambition.
