Much has been said about the relationship between Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. And even more so now that Cadena Ser has reported that the relationship between the two footballers is not as good as they would have us believe. The truth is that the relationship they have shown publicly to each other is a good one, with mutual compliments since the French star landed at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Flattery between Vinicus and Mbappé
The arrival of Kyliam Mbeppé at Real Madrid raised several questions about what his role would be and how he would fit in with the other star of the team, Vinicius, especially after all that has been said about the relationship that the French footballer had during his time at PSG with Neymar and Messi.
The first of the unknowns was which position the Frenchman would occupy, as they both like to start on the left wing. In this sense, Mbappé did not hesitate on his arrival to affirm that he would adapt to whatever Carlo Ancelotti told him to do. “I’m going to play wherever the coach wants,” he said on his arrival, wanting to settle the debate. And the truth is that this is how it has been. With the exception of specific moments, the Italian coach has not only used Vinicius more on the left wing, he has also used Rodrygo more.
This initial test did not allay the doubts about the egos of each player. In this sense, both players have been politically correct in front of the press. Mbappé said of Vinicius that “He is a great player, he does a lot for Real Madrid. I’m very happy to play with him”.
For his part, the Brazilian has also had kind words for Mbappé. When the Frenchman began to rediscover his goalscoring touch, Vinicius said that ‘Kylian has come to help us, and we are here to help him be the top scorer in all the tournaments’. Taking it for granted that the former PSG player has to be the footballer who makes the difference in front of goal.
Moments of disagreement
However, the cameras have also shown signs on the pitch that could cast doubt on the good relationship. It is common to see one of the two players with the ball and not give it to the other even if the situation is right for it. This struggle of egos seems evident at certain moments in some matches, where both want to prove their worth.
Another aspect that Ancelotti wanted to settle was the penalty kick aspect. To avoid internal conflicts, the Italian coach decided that every day one of them would take it, and he brought Jude Bellingham into the equation. The truth is that this season, the Brazilian has been the most accurate from eleven meters.
Finally, both players have been seen arguing on the pitch on several occasions. But the club has always said that these are heated moments during matches and that they cannot be taken out of context.
The renewal of Vinicius
One of the reasons for the suspicion is the renewal of Vinicius. The Brazilian footballer has asked to be the highest paid player in the squad. He is convinced that his role in the team, and his history, make him deserve to be paid more than the French player, and this could fan the flames. However, Mbappé is unconcerned about the Brazilian’s salary in the team, as the contract he has signed with Real Madrid allows him to earn very high external incomes.
A cordial relationship
Although it is true that Kyliam Mbappé and Vinicius are not the best of friends, there does not seem to be a bad relationship between them. Each one leads his own life, but in the dressing room, the relationship is good. Both players have very big egos and want to be leaders of Real Madrid, but they are aware that in order to be successful, they have to know how to play together and personal issues should not be put before the collective good. From the dressing room they convey that they have a good professional relationship and that there is no tension between them, and they affirm that both players are fully committed to being able to aspire to all successes.