Kylian Mbappé is one of the most electrifying footballers of his generation, but his move to Real Madrid may not provide the fairy tale ending many expected.
Despite joining Los Blancos on a free transfer in the summer, signing a lucrative five-year deal with a €150 million signing-on bonus, questions are emerging about whether the Spanish giants are the best fit for the French superstar.
Mbappé’s start at Madrid has been solid, with nine goals and two assists in 17 appearances, but he has yet to reach the heights fans anticipated. Part of the challenge lies in positioning. While the 25-year-old thrives as a left winger cutting inside, that spot is firmly held by Vinícius Júnior, arguably one of the most dynamic players in world football. This leaves Mbappé playing as a center-forward, a role that limits his creative freedom.
A Critique From a French Perspective
French journalist Cyril Linette, a respected voice in football analysis, has voiced concerns about Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid. Speaking to RMC Sport, Linette questioned the logic of the transfer, particularly given the presence of Vinícius in Mbappé’s preferred position.
“I’m not saying that Mbappé is heading towards failure, but he is joining a club where, in his position, there is a player at least as good as he is. It makes no sense,” Linette remarked. He drew parallels to Mbappé’s time at PSG, where Neymar occupied the left wing, arguing that Mbappé has consistently chosen clubs where competition for his natural role is intense.
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
A Premier League Opportunity Missed?
Linette suggested that Mbappé might have been better suited for a move to the Premier League, citing Manchester United as an ideal destination. “He could have gone to England… tried to get Manchester United going again, for example. There, he could have played in his position and could have written a great story,” Linette added.
This sentiment resonates with fans who dream of Mbappé leading a revival at a historic club like United, where he could establish himself as the undisputed star and operate in his most effective role. The idea of Mbappé in the Premier League, where his pace, flair, and finishing ability could wreak havoc, remains an enticing prospect.
The Madrid Challenge
For Mbappé, the allure of Real Madrid is undeniable. He grew up idolizing the club and its legends, particularly Cristiano Ronaldo. Playing at the Santiago Bernabéu offers him the chance to compete for the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, two accolades he is undoubtedly chasing. However, Linette’s critique raises valid questions about whether Mbappé can truly thrive under these circumstances.
At Madrid, Mbappé faces comparisons to Ronaldo’s towering legacy. During Ronaldo’s tenure, Los Blancos won three consecutive Champions League titles, setting a standard of dominance that will be difficult for Mbappé to replicate. Adding to the challenge is Madrid’s recent success in Europe, with six UCL titles in the last 11 years, raising the stakes for Mbappé’s contributions.
Tactical and Legacy Concerns
The tactical issues extend beyond mere positioning. Playing as a central striker for Madrid forces Mbappé to adapt his game, relying less on his dribbling and more on off-the-ball movement. While he has the talent to succeed in any role, this adjustment may prevent him from showcasing his full repertoire, limiting his impact on games.
Moreover, Linette’s point about Madrid’s readiness for success without Mbappé cannot be overlooked. Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham form a core capable of delivering trophies, meaning Mbappé must outperform expectations to leave a lasting mark.
A United Dream Deferred?
The situation becomes even more intriguing when considering Manchester United’s missed opportunity to sign Mbappé. Reports suggest that the Qatari bidders for United had ambitious plans to bring the French star to Old Trafford. Mbappé would have become the highest-paid player in English football history, and his presence could have reinvigorated the club’s fortunes both on and off the pitch.
Such a move would have been transformative for United, giving Mbappé the platform to become the face of the Premier League. Operating in his favored left-wing role, he could have rewritten the club’s history and helped restore them to their former glory.
Long-Term Questions for Mbappé
While Mbappé’s talent is undeniable, his career trajectory raises questions about his decision-making. Is his pursuit of individual accolades and team success better served at Madrid, where he must share the spotlight, or at a club like United, where he could have been the centerpiece of a rebuild?
Mbappé’s current situation also highlights the importance of timing in football transfers. At 25, he still has time to adapt and succeed at Madrid, but the clock is ticking for him to deliver the monumental impact expected of him.
The Road Ahead
For now, Mbappé remains a vital part of Madrid’s plans, and his contributions will be pivotal as they chase both domestic and European glory. However, if the French star fails to meet expectations, speculation about a move to the Premier League will only intensify.
As Linette aptly put it, Mbappé’s story could have been vastly different had he chosen a path where he was free to dominate in his natural role. Whether he can carve out a similarly legendary chapter at Madrid remains to be seen.