🛑Mbappé demands that Federico Valverde be stripped of the captaincy after his poor first match, and Xabi Alonso responds immediately.

Real Madrid have begun their campaign for the 2025 Club World Cup in Miami with more controversy than brilliance on the pitch. A 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal in their debut on June 18th sparked an internal storm within the Merengue team, marked by an alleged demand from Kylian Mbappé, who reportedly asked for Federico Valverde to be stripped of the captaincy following the Uruguayan’s poor performance in the match. Xabi Alonso, in his first tournament as Real Madrid manager, was quick to step in to calm the waters, although the tensions in the dressing room appear far from resolved. The match against Al Hilal was a reflection of a team still under construction under Alonso’s direction. Without Mbappé, who was absent due to a viral infection that has weakened him physically, Real Madrid lacked offensive punch and struggled in midfield. Valverde, who assumed the captaincy in the absence of the injured players, had a performance to forget: he committed a foul near the box that nearly cost a goal and missed a key penalty that could have secured the victory. His weak shot, to the right of goalkeeper Bono, was easily saved, sparking criticism from fans and, according to sources close to the team, from Mbappé as well. The Frenchman, who watched the match from his hotel due to his illness, reportedly expressed his frustration privately, demanding that Valverde be removed from consideration for the captaincy role, arguing that the Uruguayan failed to show leadership at a critical moment.Mbappé’s absence wasn’t the only problem for Real Madrid. High temperatures in Miami, combined with a demanding schedule and the absence of key defenders such as Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Éder Militão, complicated Alonso’s debut. The Spanish coach, aware of his limitations, opted for a four-man defensive line and gave playing time to young talents like Gonzalo García, who scored the Real Madrid goal. However, a defensive error by Raúl Asencio in the 40th minute allowed Al Hilal to equalize from the penalty spot, converted by Ruben Neves. “There’s no frustration; we had another intention to do things better, but this takes time,” Alonso commented in a press conference, highlighting the team’s second-half reaction.Mbappé’s alleged demands have caused a stir within the Spanish club. Valverde, known for his dedication and professionalism, has not publicly responded to the Frenchman’s criticism, but his post-match comment on Mbappé’s health (“He had a cold, I don’t think he even left his room”) suggested a certain distance between the two. For his part, Alonso was blunt when addressing the issue: “Fede is a natural leader, and everyone on the team respects him. Kylian is going through a difficult time with his health, but I’m sure they both want the best for Real Madrid.” The coach also confirmed that Mbappé remains doubtful for the next match against Pachuca, scheduled for June 22, due to his weight loss and weakness following the viral outbreak.The Club World Cup, which takes place from June 17 to July 15 in the United States, is a test of fire for Alonso, who took over at Real Madrid after an inconsistent season. With a revamped squad and the pressure of succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, the former midfielder is looking to implement his playing philosophy, but immediate results are a requirement at a club like Madrid. The controversy between Mbappé and Valverde is not helping the team’s stability, and rumors of tensions in the locker room have begun to circulate on social media and in the international press.Real Madrid fans, meanwhile, are divided. While some support Valverde for his commitment to the club, others believe that Mbappé, as a star player, has the right to demand more from his teammates. The truth is that Real Madrid needs to be back at its best to face Pachuca, an opponent that, according to Alonso, “will be just as difficult as Al Hilal.” Valverde’s captaincy, Mbappé’s condition, and Alonso’s ability to manage this crisis will be decisive in the coming days.Real Madrid’s immediate future in the tournament will depend on its ability to overcome these internal frictions and adapt to the circumstances. With a tight schedule and the prospect of winning another world title, the Whites are at a crossroads. Can Mbappé and Valverde put their differences aside for the good of the team? The answer, as Alonso said, “will come in due time.” Meanwhile, the football world awaits the next steps of a Real Madrid that, far from shining, has begun its World Cup adventure with more noise than football.