Real Madrid may have secured one of the biggest transfers in football history by signing Kylian Mbappé, but it hasn’t taken long for internal tensions to bubble to the surface. Behind the scenes at the Santiago Bernabéu, whispers have turned into shockwaves as Mbappé has reportedly made a bold request to the club’s hierarchy — the departure of fellow forward Vinícius Júnior.
According to multiple sources close to the club, the relationship between Mbappé and Vinícius has deteriorated dramatically. While the pair were expected to form a deadly attacking partnership for Los Blancos, things have taken a different turn. The issue, insiders claim, is not just professional — it’s deeply personal. Mbappé allegedly believes that the Brazilian winger’s presence on the pitch disrupts the team’s flow and chemistry.
The French superstar has reportedly voiced his concerns directly to club president Florentino Pérez. In private meetings, he is said to have argued that Real Madrid would function more cohesively — both on and off the pitch — without Vinícius in the dressing room. The implications of this are massive, not only in terms of tactical reshuffling but also regarding the club’s long-term plans.
Vinícius Júnior, who has been one of Real Madrid’s most consistent performers in recent seasons, remains under contract until 2027. However, there is now speculation that the club may reconsider its stance on his future. While there’s no immediate rush to renew his deal, Real Madrid’s leadership is reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation, particularly given the rising tension with Mbappé.
Making matters worse, Vinícius’s conduct off the pitch has also come under scrutiny. There have been murmurs of discontent from the club’s management about his growing celebrity lifestyle and lack of discipline in recent months. Rumors are swirling that he may already be entertaining talks with other top European sides — with Manchester City emerging as a possible destination.
If those reports are accurate, they could lend significant weight to Mbappé’s complaints. From his perspective, having a teammate whose focus isn’t 100% aligned with the club’s goals could be seen as a threat to squad harmony and competitive consistency. For a player known for his ambition and drive, it’s not hard to understand why Mbappé might view Vinícius as an obstacle.
Despite this, Real Madrid remains cautious. The club knows just how valuable Vinícius is, both commercially and on the pitch. He’s one of the most marketable figures in world football and has delivered time and again in key moments. Letting him go could provoke backlash among fans, especially if it’s perceived that the decision was made purely to satisfy Mbappé’s preferences.
Still, there’s no denying that the Frenchman holds significant sway at the club right now. His signing was more than just a football decision — it was a strategic move to mark the beginning of a new era. Real Madrid invested not just money but trust and vision into bringing Mbappé to the Bernabéu, and they may now be forced to weigh his happiness against long-standing loyalties.
This growing rift could shape the club’s transfer decisions in the coming months. If Vinícius does not renew by the end of the season, the club may consider cashing in while his value remains high. Any incoming offers from Premier League heavyweights or other top European clubs would surely be analyzed with far more seriousness than before.
The saga also raises questions about the balance of power inside Real Madrid’s dressing room. Is it healthy for a newly arrived player — even one of Mbappé’s stature — to influence such major decisions? Or is this the price the club must pay to build its future around the world’s most electrifying footballer?
As preseason unfolds and the new La Liga campaign approaches, the tension at Valdebebas continues to mount. Real Madrid may boast one of the most talented squads in Europe, but if dressing room harmony isn’t restored, their season could be derailed before it even begins.
Ultimately, Real Madrid face a crossroads — back one superstar and risk losing another, or find a way to reconcile two of the most dynamic attackers in modern football. Whatever they choose, it’s clear that the summer calm in Madrid is already over.