While most of his teammates have accepted him, one player remains distant—Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazilian winger views Mbappé as a rival rather than an ally, creating a noticeable divide between them. Though there’s no open conflict, their interactions are minimal, and their on-field chemistry isn’t as strong as anticipated. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has stepped in to try to mediate the situation.
Mbappé has made efforts to build a rapport with Vinícius, recognizing the importance of team unity. However, his attempts have mostly been met with indifference. He has reportedly given up on trying to change the dynamic, accepting that Vinícius may not fully embrace him as a teammate.
The issue seems to stem from Vinícius feeling that Mbappé has overshadowed him. Last season, Vinícius was Madrid’s standout player, but with Mbappé’s arrival, the focus has shifted. The media now positions Mbappé as the world’s best player, a title Vinícius still believes should be his.
On the field, their styles conflict, particularly since both prefer to play on the left wing. This has made it difficult for Vinícius to assert himself, leading to frustration that’s visible during matches.
The lack of chemistry hasn’t gone unnoticed in the locker room. Some players remain neutral, while others have subtly taken sides. Vinícius seems to have strong support from the Brazilian contingent, while Mbappé has earned the respect of a larger part of the squad. Though there’s no open conflict yet, this division is palpable within the team.
Rumors also suggest that Vinícius might be considering a move to Saudi Arabia, where he could secure a more lucrative contract. His frustration seems to stem from wanting to earn more than Mbappé to justify his place at Madrid.
Meanwhile, Mbappé continues to impress, scoring 23 goals in 33 matches this season—matching Vinícius’s total from the previous season, when he believed he deserved the Ballon d’Or. Mbappé’s success has only amplified his influence within the team, leaving Vinícius feeling marginalized.
Vinícius’s frustration has become evident in his interactions with teammates. He’s been seen criticizing Dani Ceballos for not directing the play to his side and expressing dissatisfaction to Ancelotti about not receiving the ball as often as before. He’s also shown frustration with Fran García for not making the passes he expected.
With his discontent growing, Vinícius’s future at Real Madrid seems uncertain. If his frustration continues, he may leave, following a pattern seen with other high-profile players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, who left under similar circumstances.
Ancelotti, however, remains hopeful that the relationship between Vinícius and Mbappé can improve. The manager understands the importance of unity, especially with Real Madrid targeting success both domestically and in Europe. He’s reportedly spoken with both players, urging them to put aside personal differences for the team’s benefit.
The club’s leadership, under Florentino Pérez, is closely monitoring the situation. Pérez is known for his pragmatic approach to squad management and won’t hesitate to make tough decisions if the team’s harmony is jeopardized. If Vinícius’s discontent continues, the club may consider selling him in the summer.
For now, Real Madrid fans can only hope that the two stars can find common ground. If they can, their partnership could be one of the most formidable in modern football. However, if tensions persist, the club may be faced with a difficult decision—will Vinícius regain his spot as the team’s star, or will Mbappé become the club’s new face? The coming months will be crucial in shaping the outcome of this evolving situation at the Santiago Bernabéu.
