Real Madrid’s Struggles: Ego, Not Mbappé, to Blame

At the heart of Real Madrid’s recent struggles lies Kylian Mbappé, but the issue is far more complex than just the French forward’s performance. Mbappé’s presence in Madrid has been met with high expectations, and while he’s undeniably an extraordinary talent, his fit within the team dynamics has raised questions about the club’s priorities. It’s true that Mbappé is currently not at the peak of his powers, and the once dazzling soccer prodigy is not the same dynamic force that took the world by storm in his early years. However, it would be a stretch to place all the blame on him for Real Madrid’s slump. In fact, Mbappé’s current form should be understood within the broader context of both his own development and the challenges facing a club that has lost its way in terms of structure and strategy.

Despite his struggles, Mbappé continues to score goals, averaging one every two games for Madrid, which, in any other era, would be considered an impressive return for a forward. However, in a world where comparisons to the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane are inevitable, even a respectable tally isn’t enough to keep the critics at bay. The whispers of Mbappé being the man derailing Los Blancos are far from accurate. Yes, the 25-year-old’s presence hasn’t quite lived up to the sky-high expectations, but to single him out as the cause of Madrid’s problems is missing the bigger picture.

Mbappé’s signing was nothing short of sensational—Madrid’s audacious attempt to land one of the brightest stars in world football. With a reported salary of €15 million ($16 million) after tax and a multi-million-dollar signing bonus, the stakes were high from the beginning. Yet, financial matters aside, Real Madrid has proven in the past that it can survive without such marquee players. The club’s financial health remains robust, fueled by a lucrative stadium and a history of high-profile deals. This season, however, is different. The problem with Madrid’s current predicament isn’t about the failure of a single player to meet expectations, but rather a more profound issue rooted in the club’s vanity and desire for the flashiest names in football.

In many ways, Real Madrid’s pursuit of players like Mbappé represents a larger ambition to maintain its position at the pinnacle of world football. But this ambition has come at the cost of the club’s core identity. The emphasis on individual superstars has overshadowed the team-oriented approach that was integral to their success in recent years. Mbappé’s role within the squad is illustrative of this. His preferred position, which is often that of a winger, clashes with the established roles of players like Vinícius Júnior, who has become one of Madrid’s most influential attacking talents. Mbappé’s versatility is both a strength and a challenge for coach Carlo Ancelotti, as he struggles to integrate the French forward without disrupting the fluidity and balance of the squad.

The loss of Toni Kroos, Madrid’s midfield orchestrator, has proven to be more significant than anticipated. While acquiring Mbappé was seen as a coup, the absence of Kroos has left a noticeable void in Madrid’s midfield. Kroos’ ability to control the tempo and orchestrate play was one of the key components of the team’s dominance in both La Liga and the Champions League last season. Without him, Real Madrid has lacked the same rhythm and cohesion that saw them dominate Europe’s elite competition. Even Joselu, the veteran striker brought in as a temporary solution, offered a central presence in attack, something that Madrid now desperately misses.

It’s easy to place the blame squarely on Mbappé’s shoulders, especially since his arrival coincides with the team’s dip in form. However, this would be an oversimplification of a much deeper issue. Mbappé’s strengths—his speed, flair, and knack for scoring goals—are precisely the qualities that have made him a global superstar. But those same attributes can be a double-edged sword in a team that thrives on balance and collective effort. Mbappé’s individualism, which has made him such a captivating talent, is at odds with Madrid’s need for a more cohesive, tactical approach.

To truly understand Mbappé’s current challenges at Madrid, one must consider the pressure he faces. This is not just any club; this is Real Madrid, one of the most storied and successful teams in the history of football. Mbappé’s desire to become a legend at such a legendary club is evident, but it’s clear that the expectations placed upon him are immense. He’s been branded as a “selfish genius” and a “prima donna” at times, yet when one listens to him speak, he comes across as grounded and mature, largely due to the influence of his parents, who have kept him humble despite his meteoric rise.

In light of all this, it’s clear that the issue at Real Madrid is not simply one of a player’s ego or underperformance. Rather, it’s a matter of the club’s broader vision. Real Madrid’s identity as a team needs to be recalibrated. Before focusing all efforts on solving the Mbappé “problem,” Madrid must address the underlying tactical issues and the sense of cohesion that once defined them. The team needs to rediscover the steel and balance that made them formidable in recent years. While it’s true that the team is under pressure, with Barcelona closing in domestically and several teams above them in the European rankings, there is still ample opportunity for success. But to reach those heights once more, Real Madrid must return to its roots—emphasizing team play over individual stardom, and restoring the tactical balance that made them champions.