Contrasting Fortunes: Mbappe vs. Vinicius Junior
To witness the differing paths of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid, one need only look at the team’s recent 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad. Mbappe’s impressive solo goal and assist established him as Madrid’s clear on-field leader, while Vinicius’s muted performance and early substitution highlighted his ongoing struggles.
A Year Ago: Different Stories
Just a year prior, everything was quite different. Vinicius Jr. had made headlines with a stunning hat-trick in last October’s Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, making him a favorite for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. In contrast, Mbappe struggled to adapt at the Bernabeu, exemplified by his record eight offsides in a humiliating 4-0 loss to Barcelona.
Shifting Dynamics
The previous year had seen Vinicius thriving in coach Carlo Ancelotti’s fast-paced counter-attacking strategy, scoring the decisive goal in the 2024 Champions League final. However, his recent disappointment over missing the Ballon d’Or to Rodri caused a significant dip in his performance—he managed just three goals in 16 La Liga games from January to May 2025.
Mbappe’s Resurgence
Conversely, Mbappe’s contributions and confidence soared as the season progressed, culminating in an impressive record of 44 goals in his debut season. Under coach Xabi Alonso’s leadership, a new tactical approach was initiated to prioritize possession, significantly affecting both forwards’ roles in the team.
Coaching Challenges
Alonso faced a challenge in blending both superstar strikers into a cohesive system. Initial plans involved placing both as center-forwards, but following injuries and performances, it became necessary to modify their positions. Vinicius Jr’s inconsistent displays raised questions, leading to him being benched and starting the season slowly.
Current State: Mbappe’s Dominance
As of now, Mbappe has taken center stage, starting with four goals and establishing himself as La Liga’s top scorer. His leadership has grown, taking on more responsibilities like penalties, while Vinicius Jr. has struggled to find his rhythm, leading to concerns about his long-term fit within the team.
Future Considerations
The dynamics between the two forwards are under scrutiny, especially regarding contract negotiations for Vinicius Jr, whose current agreement lasts until 2027. Despite public support for each other, their on-field chemistry and performance remain areas of concern, leaving questions about Vinicius Jr.’s future in a squad where Mbappe clearly dominates.
