Why Kylian Mbappé is Struggling at Real Madrid
By hitx7.com | Published on April 20, 2025
Kylian Mbappé’s blockbuster move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 was billed as the transfer of the decade. The French superstar, known for his lightning speed and deadly finishing, was expected to set LaLiga and the Champions League on fire. But as of April 2025, Mbappé has failed to hit the heights expected, leaving fans wondering: what’s going wrong for the 26-year-old at the Santiago Bernabéu? From tactical misfits to off-field dramas, here are the key reasons behind Mbappé’s struggles at Real Madrid.
1. Tactical Misfit and Positional Woes
Mbappé has always shone brightest on the left wing, where he can use his pace to cut inside and wreak havoc. At Paris Saint-Germain, this role made him a global superstar. However, Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti has often played him as a central striker (No. 9) to make room for Vinícius Júnior, the team’s established left-winger. This shift has thrown Mbappé off his game. He struggles with the demands of a central role, like holding up play or linking with midfielders. Former Barcelona star Patrick Kluivert pointed out that adapting to LaLiga’s high intensity after years in Ligue 1 is no easy task. Mbappé’s positioning issues were glaring in the Clásico against Barcelona, where he was caught offside eight times, a sign of his discomfort in the new setup.
2. Disrupting Real Madrid’s Winning Formula
Real Madrid’s 2023-24 season was a masterclass, with a balanced 4-4-2 formation driving their LaLiga and Champions League success. Players like Vinícius, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo gelled perfectly. Mbappé’s arrival has upset this harmony. Fitting him into the lineup without benching Vinícius or Rodrygo has proven tricky, leading to tactical confusion. Some fans on X compare this to the 2003 signing of David Beckham, which disrupted the squad by pushing out Claude Makélélé. Posts on X suggest Real Madrid “broke a winning formula” to build around Mbappé, and the team is still searching for its rhythm.
3. Off-Field Controversies Weighing Heavy
Mbappé’s challenges aren’t just on the pitch. He’s caught in a messy legal battle with PSG over unpaid wages, which has added mental pressure. Reports of an alleged incident in Sweden (which he denies) and his shock omission from France’s national team in November 2024 have fueled negative headlines. France coach Didier Deschamps admitted Mbappé is in a “difficult period,” battling both physical and psychological struggles. These distractions have clearly affected his focus, making it harder to settle at Real Madrid.
4. Loss of Confidence and Missed Chances
Mbappé’s stats—nine goals in 18 matches as of April 2025—are decent but far below his PSG peak of 44 goals in 48 games last season. His finishing has been shaky, with missed penalties (like against Liverpool) and a low 12% conversion rate in LaLiga, compared to Robert Lewandowski’s 32%. French pundit Daniel Riolo observed that Mbappé “exudes anxiety” on the pitch, a far cry from the confident teenager who lit up the 2018 World Cup. His recent struggles in front of goal have only deepened the pressure.
What’s Next for Mbappé?
It’s not all doom and gloom. At 26, Mbappé has time to turn things around. Legends like Zinédine Zidane also faced early struggles at Real Madrid before becoming icons. Ancelotti’s expertise in managing big egos could guide Mbappé back to his best. Fans on X are hopeful, pointing to his recent goal against Getafe as a spark of revival. Upcoming matches against Getafe and Athletic Club will be crucial for Mbappé to silence his critics and rediscover his magic.
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappé’s rocky start at Real Madrid stems from tactical mismatches, a disrupted team balance, off-field controversies, and a dip in confidence. But his world-class talent is undeniable, and with time, he could still become a Galáctico. For Indian football fans and global readers, Mbappé’s journey is a reminder that even the biggest stars face challenges. Stay tuned to hitx7.com for the latest international football news and updates on Mbappé’s saga!
Call to Action
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