Real Madrid fans demand major Kylian Mbappe change as training-ground footage goes viral

Kylian Mbappe, 25, joined Real Madrid in June 2024 on a free transfer after his PSG contract expired, reportedly earning a €150 million signing-on fee and a €15 million annual salary. During his unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu on July 16, the 2018 World Cup winner described the move to Los Blancos as “a dream come true.”

Despite his impressive arrival, things haven’t gone entirely smoothly for Mbappe at Madrid. The team currently sits second in La Liga, six points behind rivals Barcelona, and has faced unexpected defeats to AC Milan and Lille, leaving them 18th in the Champions League group stage standings.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has deployed a front three featuring Vinicius Jr. on the left, Rodrygo on the right, and Mbappe centrally as a “number nine.” However, this alignment may be creating issues, as both Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. prefer playing on the left flank, where they can cut inside to attack. While Ancelotti is under pressure to accommodate both stars, their overlapping positional tendencies have raised concerns about the team’s overall cohesion.

Mbappe has maintained a solid individual performance, scoring eight goals in 16 appearances. Still, questions remain about the fluidity of Madrid’s play, prompting speculation about whether a positional adjustment might unlock his full potential.

Fans have voiced their opinions, particularly after training footage showed Mbappe excelling in a more familiar left-wing role, displaying the sharp movements and finishing that defined his time at PSG. Many believe this is where he performs best, with one fan remarking, “Play him on the left wing, and he will cook.” Another suggested, “He’s better than Vinicius Jr., and it’s only a matter of time before he starts playing there.”

Ancelotti now faces a critical decision about how to utilize Mbappe effectively while balancing the demands of his star-studded squad. For Madrid fans, the hope is that unlocking Mbappe’s full potential will help reignite the team’s season.