There was a strong, almost symbolic response. After the rout inflicted by PSG in the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, Xabi Alonso became aware of the scale of the site. In Real Madrid, cracks are no longer invisible, they are creaking the screen. Behind the scenes, a major decision has imposed itself: the club can no longer afford to build around two so dissonant figures. The time for choice has arrived.
The new Madrid coach finally decided to continue with Kylian Mbappé. Far from being unanimous since his arrival, the Frenchman still benefits from the support of Florentino Perez. Above all, its profile corresponds more to the projection desired by Alonso: refocused in the axis, more involved in the construction, Mbappé embodies an anchor. Conversely, Vinicius Junior seems to have exhausted his credit, between disappointing performance, controversial attitude and individual ambitions that are not very compatible with the collective project.
Vinicius put on the hot seat after several hiccups
The Brazilian crystallized the tensions during the heavy defeat against PSG, appearing detached on the bench, smile on his lips despite the debacle. A gesture badly perceived by the leaders, already worried about his attitude. The discussions around its extension, on a break for several weeks, have not resumed. Internally, some now argue for a departure this summer, before its rating crumbles.
Mbappé-Vinicius: the impossible balance in Real Madrid
Alonso, supported by management, therefore ratified this realignment. The locker room will be reshaped around a more receptive nucleus, with renewed requirements. Like internal policy, the offensive hierarchy is being redesigned.
A new era takes shape in Real Madrid
The Spanish club, humiliated several times this season, intends to find its identity. Discipline, rigor, and collective ambition become priorities. Mbappé will therefore have a central role in this revival. But the balance remains fragile. And in a recomposition workforce, each status can still evolve.
