Kylian Mbappé’s challenging start at Real Madrid has sparked discussions far beyond the football world. After leading the Dallas Mavericks to a win against the San Antonio Spurs on November 17, Luka Doncic, a diehard Real Madrid fan, shared his thoughts on the French star’s situation.
Doncic, who spent four years at Real Madrid before his NBA career, holds a deep connection to the club. “I grew up at Real. I learned everything there. It’s a big part of my life. I can say it’s my second home,” the Slovenian basketball star said.
“Mbappé Needs Time to Adapt”
Acknowledging the immense pressure of playing for Real Madrid, Doncic urged Mbappé to remain patient. “Kylian Mbappé needs time to adapt to Real and must not give in to the pressure,” the 25-year-old said.
Mbappé’s arrival at Madrid was one of the most anticipated moves in recent football history, marking a significant step forward in his career. However, his journey with the reigning European and Spanish champions has been far from smooth. Despite scoring 8 goals and providing 2 assists in 16 appearances, the Frenchman appears isolated in Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical setup.
The Struggle for the Number 9 Role
Mbappé’s challenges stem largely from his positional shift. Traditionally a left-winger, he now finds himself as Real Madrid’s main striker, a role previously occupied by Karim Benzema. The left flank remains Vinicius Jr.’s domain, the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up, making it difficult for Mbappé to reclaim his preferred spot.
Former Real Madrid star Karim Benzema commented on the situation, saying, “I don’t think Ancelotti will move Vinicius; he’s the best in the world in that position. Mbappé must understand that he has to be a number 9 now and forget about the left side. He excelled there, but now he needs to adapt.”
Time to Regroup and Refocus
Off-field distractions and on-field struggles recently excluded Mbappé from the French national team’s November fixtures. Instead, he returned early to Madrid for extra training, focusing on regaining his form.
With La Liga action resuming on November 24 against Leganés, Mbappé has the chance to rebuild his confidence and solidify his place in the team. Luka Doncic’s message serves as a reminder: greatness at Real Madrid requires patience, resilience, and adaptation.
