Only one can reign: Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius? Real Madrid prepares for ruthless decision in Xabi Alonso’s tactical shake-up
A disappointing end to the 2024-25 season has forced Real Madrid into uncomfortable but necessary decisions. After crashing out of the Club World Cup with a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, the club finds itself at a crossroads. The spotlight has fallen not just on the team’s lack of trophies but also on internal friction—most notably between Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, two of the biggest stars in world soccer.
Real Madrid’s season, marred by 15 defeats and 84 goals conceded, has prompted serious introspection. The defense, once the pride of the team, matched the club’s worst-ever record from the 1998–99 season. Embarrassing losses to PSG, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Arsenal have further exposed cracks in what was supposed to be a dominant squad.
One of the loudest concerns has been the lack of chemistry between Mbappe and Vinicius, both of whom prefer to operate on the left wing. Their overlapping styles, paired with poor pressing and work rate, have created structural issues. Their visible disconnect on the field was punctuated during the Club World Cup semi-final, where neither showed the intensity expected of Real Madrid attackers.
Xabi Alonso, appointed with the mandate to rebuild and modernize the squad, has found himself at the center of this tension. His emphasis on discipline, structure, and collective effort clashes with the laissez-faire pressing style of his two star-forwards. While he is reportedly reluctant to sacrifice either player’s raw talent, he is said to be leaning toward a definitive solution.
According to Sport, the Spaniard may be forced to choose between the two. This decision is further complicated by internal politics and loyalty.
The turning point: Club hierarchy chooses Mbappe
The club’s president, Florentino Perez, has long pursued Kylian Mbappe. After a seven-year effort, he finally brought the Frenchman to the Bernabeu in the summer of 2024 following the expiration of his PSG contract.
“Perez’s faith in Mbappe has never wavered. He views him as the face of Real Madrid’s next great era,” a report in El Chiringuito stated.
This allegiance has tilted the scales. While Vinicius had previously been Madrid’s poster boy, scoring crucial goals and dazzling fans with flair, he now appears to be the odd one out. Talks over a contract extension—initially expected to finalize this summer—have stalled. Reports suggest Vinicius has paused negotiations, while Madrid has not reinitiated contact.
Vinicius’ future now in doubt
The Brazilian’s situation is delicate. Although his contract runs until 2027, his attitude has reportedly raised concerns. Most notably, he was seen laughing on the bench during Madrid’s 4-0 loss to PSG, sparking backlash from both fans and management.
“That moment did not sit well with the higher-ups. It was seen as a lack of respect and focus during one of the club’s worst recent defeats,” noted Sport.
Real Madrid now faces a conundrum: risk losing Vinicius at a discounted price if his dissatisfaction continues, or cash in early and back Alonso’s long-term vision.