Kylian Mbappe has rejected suggestions that he and Vinicius Junior cannot thrive together at Real Madrid, insisting the pair are united by a shared ambition to win major honours.
The French forward addressed the debate during a press conference on Monday, after Real Madrid’s unbeaten start under Jose Mourinho was ended by a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis on Friday.
Mbappe was asked about claims that Real Madrid’s attack cannot accommodate both him and Vinicius, with Jude Bellingham and the club’s other high-profile players also competing for influential roles.
“That’s just one opinion among millions about Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world. I can’t control everything that’s said,” Mbappe said.
“We have the same goal, which is to win titles.”
Real Madrid’s attacking balance remains under scrutiny
The defeat in Seville inevitably revived questions about whether Mourinho can find the right balance between Real Madrid’s leading forwards. Mbappe missed a late penalty against Betis, while Vinicius struck the post during a match in which the visitors struggled to turn their chances into goals.
Betis scored through Troy Parrott before goalkeeper Alvaro Valles saved Mbappe’s stoppage-time spot-kick, handing Mourinho his first defeat since returning to the Real Madrid dugout.
Mourinho had already defended the partnership between Mbappe, Vinicius and Bellingham after Real Madrid’s win over Malaga. The Portuguese manager said the players showed empathy, celebrated together and were capable of working collectively.
“Very good players want to play together with people who have the same quality, the same speed of thought and decision-making,” Mourinho said at the time. “They must always be compatible.”
Mbappe also accepted that Real Madrid must improve defensively, but rejected the idea that the players’ individual numbers should be set against the team’s pursuit of trophies. He said he would prefer fewer goals if they helped deliver silverware.
Real Madrid will look to respond when they begin their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday. For Mbappe and Vinicius, another strong performance would provide an immediate answer to the latest doubts over their partnership.
