Kylian Mbappé arrived at Real Madrid with a goal to leave behind his French reputation and prove himself through humility.
While he has managed to win over most of his teammates, Vinícius sees him more as a competitor than a collaborator.
Attempts by Mbappé to improve their relationship have been unsuccessful. Despite his efforts, he now views Vinícius as a lost cause, though this is not overtly obvious. Their dynamic has shifted from tension to indifference.
They interact minimally, and when playing on the field, they focus solely on what’s best for the team, putting aside personal issues.
The situation has become so strained that manager Carlo Ancelotti had to step in to facilitate peace. Real Madrid can not afford to have two of its star players at odds.
As Mbappé’s career at the club ascends, Vinícius’s performance has seen a decline, which started after he was told he wouldn’t win the Ballon d’Or. Vinícius feels overshadowed by Mbappé, who has taken the spotlight he had last season. This has led to discomfort on the field and a lack of enthusiasm in recent matches.
Vinícius is particularly bothered by Mbappé taking over the left-wing position, which he considers his own. He is also frustrated with the growing media narrative calling Mbappé “the best player in the world,” a title he still believes belongs to him.
In the locker room, the divide between the two players is evident, with teammates generally aligning with Mbappé or remaining neutral, while the Brazilian contingent supports Vinícius.
Vinícius may be using this situation to push for a move to the Arab world, especially if he insists on earning more than Mbappé to stay at the Bernabéu. Meanwhile, Mbappé is making the most of his time at the club, with 23 goals in 33 matches—just one less than Vinícius scored last season, when he felt he deserved the Ballon d’Or.
Vinícius has expressed his frustration both on the field and with his teammates. In a recent match against Cornellà, he even scolded Ceballos for focusing too much of the play on the right wing, and he sought explanations from Ancelotti.
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