A new debate is emerging at Real Madrid, one that could reshape the dynamics of their attack. Is Kylian Mbappe now the team’s true leader? Has he overtaken Vinicius Jr. in importance, and does he actually perform better when the Brazilian is not on the pitch?
The latest developments have only added fuel to the fire. Mbappe’s two-goal performance against Villarreal, with Vinicius left on the bench, showcased the Frenchman’s ability to thrive in a more central role with greater freedom. Meanwhile, rumors of a dysfunctional relationship between the two superstars continue to circulate, suggesting that their partnership may not be as seamless as some believe.
These are the questions that Madrid fans and the Spanish media are now asking. And the answers might not be what many expected.
Mbappe shines against Villarreal: Is Madrid better without Vinicius?
Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Villarreal last weekend saw the Frenchman emerge as the clear star, scoring both of his team’s goals in a crucial win at La Ceramica. But what made this performance particularly interesting was that Vinicius wasn’t included in the starting line-up.
Carlo Ancelotti made the decision to rest the Brazilian, which meant that Mbappe led the attack alongside Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz. The tactical setup gave the 26-year-old more freedom to move across the front line, with Rodrygo operating more from the left and Brahim drifting centrally from the right. Both of Mbappe’s goals, however, came from a central striker’s position, first converting a rebound and then scoring with a precise shot from the edge of the box.
The result? The ex-PSG star looked more liberated, and Madrid’s attack seemed to flow better without Vinicius on the field. When Ancelotti finally introduced Vinicius in the second half, the Brazilian was dangerous on the left, but Mbappe’s influence in that area noticeably diminished. This led to the return of an ongoing question: Does Mbappe actually play better without Vinicius?
A telling statistic has reinforced this debate—half of Mbappe’s 20 La Liga goals have come when Vinicius was not on the pitch. The Spanish media has begun to suggest that Madrid appears more fluid and cohesive when the Brazilian is absent, allowing Mbappe to fully express himself without tactical restrictions.
Dysfunctional partnership or growing pains?
While the tactical concerns are one side of the story, there are also growing reports that Mbappe and Vinicius do not have the best relationship off the pitch. According to Cadena SER journalist Anton Mena, the friendship between the two is not as strong as it seems.
“They want to sell us a brotherhood that does not exist. From what I see, that hurts Madrid’s game. The two do not look for each other and do not find each other,” Mena stated during a Spanish radio program.
This echoes former Madrid coach Fabio Capello’s assessment, as he previously claimed that the duo ‘stand on each other’s toes’ and struggle to complement each other on the field. Their struggles were evident during Los Blancos’ recent UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against Atlético Madrid, where neither player was able to make a significant impact. The Spaniards still managed a 2-1 victory, but the goals came from Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz, not their two superstar forwards.
