Real Madrid pave the way for Mbappe: From A-list star to absolute leader

Real Madrid recognise that one of the big problems in the current team is the lack of clear leadership and are placing their hopes on Kylian Mbappe.

The club believes that the team is lacking a role model for everyone to follow. The departure of names like Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo has left a void in the dressing room. Toni Kroos, Nacho or Luka Modric were natural leaders, but now, this role is not clearly shown. Dani Carvajal, the most influential person in the dressing room at the moment, cannot shoulder all the burden as he struggles with injuries and recovery.

Modric, despite being an icon, is gradually losing his voice due to age and reduced playing time. Meanwhile, young players like Bellingham or Valverde are not yet experienced enough to become the heart of the team.

Florentino Perez and the club’s board don’t want Mbappe to be just another talented, expensive player in the team. They want him to be a real leader, like Cristiano Ronaldo before him. However, since the start of the season, Mbappe has been reserved. He has not shown leadership on the pitch or in the dressing room, which worries the board.

The defeats against Lille, Barcelona and Milan have exposed this weakness. Players like Mbappe need to show a bigger voice and influence, both on and off the pitch. Florentino Perez has met with Carlo Ancelotti to emphasize that Mbappe needs to step out of his own “shadow” and step up to be the center of the team.

Real Madrid have begun to build Mbappe’s image as a leader. In the recent match against Osasuna, Mbappe’s name was introduced last in the starting lineup at the Santiago Bernabeu, a position usually reserved for special players. Previously, this position belonged to Vinicius or Modric.

The board is also trying to create conditions for Mbappe to feel more comfortable and confident. The short meetings with Raul at the training center are seen as an opportunity for the club legend to impart leadership experience to the French star.

If Mbappe continues to develop and demonstrate the central role that Real Madrid expect, he could be given the number 10 shirt when Luka Modric leaves. This would symbolize the transfer of leadership roles at the club, marking his maturity and affirming Mbappe’s position as a new icon at the Bernabeu.

The challenge for Mbappe is not only in his technical ability, but also in whether he can become a true leader, someone who can pull the team forward in decisive moments.