Mbappé Becomes the Undisputed Leader

The start of the season has raised questions about Vinícius Jr.. His recent benchings —first in LaLiga against Oviedo and, most notably, in the Champions League opener versus Olympique de Marseille— sparked debate. Nobody expected him out of the starting XI in Europe, but Xabi Alonso left him sidelined, fueling the question: what’s happening with Vini?

The club insists these are just rotations. Xabi trusts Rodrygo on the left flank and plans to alternate both until one firmly claims the spot. The coach values Vinícius, but he no longer sees him as untouchable. That status belongs to Kylian Mbappé. Since day one of the 2025/26 season, the Frenchman has been backed as the team’s leader, taking over penalty duties, inheriting Luka Modric’s No. 10 shirt, and responding with goals and authority. The contrast is clear: Mbappé shines as the new star at the Bernabéu, while Vinícius has lost influence both on the pitch and among fans.

Vinícius Faces a Mental Challenge

The most obvious impact is emotional. The lively, smiling Vinícius who used to electrify the Bernabéu looks dimmed. Against Marseille, he didn’t rally the crowd as usual and seemed frustrated, even when his team scored. Warming up with the substitutes, he showed professionalism but also a clear drop in morale.

It’s not about effort—Vinícius still works hard, presses as Xabi demands, and even showed defensive commitment against Real Sociedad. Yet his emotional leadership, once a defining trait, feels diminished. Subbed in with 22 minutes left in Anoeta, the moment clearly stung.

Xabi Alonso has made it clear: in his Real Madrid, only Mbappé is untouchable. Everyone else must fight for their place. For Vinícius, the challenge is to adapt, rediscover his joy, and prove he can thrive alongside the French superstar.

Renewal and Future Uncertainty

This situation comes as his contract renewal remains unresolved. In February, it looked practically done, but there’s still no signature. While Vinícius insists he wants to stay, the delay fuels speculation about his future.

He is now in a transitional phase, forced into maturity. His quality and potential remain undeniable, but both he and Real Madrid need his best version back. The key is psychological: if Vinícius can regain his smile and confidence, he can once again become decisive even in the shadow of Mbappé.