Mbappé, the Team Leader? The Strange Truth About Rodrygo Goes and Bellingham After Brest

The clash between Brest and Real Madrid in Matchday 8 provided fascinating insight into the leadership hierarchy within the Madrid squad. While Kylian Mbappé has been the main focus of media attention, it was Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham who delivered standout performances, reinforcing their importance to the team.

For the past few days, a heated debate has been circulating among Madridistas regarding the true leader of the squad. A Marca poll, which asked fans to vote for the team’s primary figure, saw 46% of 22,000 respondents selecting Kylian Mbappé. Vinicius Junior, despite his established role at the club, only received 7% of the votes, finishing behind Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde. To add to this, Dani Carvajal publicly stated on Monday that KM9 is not only Real Madrid’s leader but possibly the best player in the world right now. However, amidst this discussion, one name was completely overlooked—Rodrygo Goes. And the Brazilian responded in the best possible way: on the pitch.

Rodrygo’s Emphatic Response on the Pitch

With Vinicius Junior suspended, Rodrygo was deployed on the left wing, and he took full advantage of the opportunity. The Brazilian forward delivered a breathtaking performance, scoring twice in Real Madrid’s commanding 3-0 victory. His recent form has been nothing short of spectacular, reinforcing his status as a key player in the squad. With 13 goals already this season, he is proving to be one of the most effective forwards in Europe.

Jude Bellingham, who also found the net in the match, continued his remarkable campaign with another impactful display. The English midfielder has seamlessly integrated into Madrid’s system, contributing in both attack and defense. Unlike others involved in the leadership debate, Bellingham and Rodrygo have chosen not to engage in public discussions. Instead, they let their performances speak for themselves.

Mbappé’s Status Still Under Scrutiny

Despite the widespread belief that Mbappé has assumed the mantle of leadership at Real Madrid, his performance against Brest suggested that he has yet to fully establish himself as the team’s undisputed leader. The Frenchman has been exceptional since the turn of the year, consistently delivering in front of goal. However, his influence is not yet overwhelming enough to overshadow his teammates. Some Madridistas argue that leadership at Real Madrid cannot be dictated solely by status and reputation—it must be earned on the field.

Real Madrid’s Multifaceted Leadership

The arrival of Kylian Mbappé has undoubtedly changed the power dynamics within the squad. With his global stardom and prolific goal-scoring record, the French forward has drawn significant attention, sometimes at the expense of others like Vinicius Junior. For the past two to three seasons, Vinicius has been Real Madrid’s most decisive player, narrowly missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Now, however, he must share the spotlight with Mbappé, Bellingham, and Rodrygo.

A closer look at Real Madrid’s attacking statistics reveals an intriguing reality. The club is currently the only team in Europe’s top five leagues to have four players who have scored at least 10 goals across all competitions this season.

• 🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé – 22 goals
• 🇧🇷 Vinícius Junior – 17 goals
• 🇧🇷 Rodrygo Goes – 13 goals
• 🏴 Jude Bellingham – 10 goals

This extraordinary depth in attacking quality makes it difficult to single out just one leader in the team. Mbappé may be the most high-profile name, but his presence does not diminish the contributions of others who continue to shine on a regular basis.

Ancelotti’s Balancing Act

Carlo Ancelotti has always been known for his ability to manage big personalities, and this season is no exception. The Italian tactician is fully aware that while Mbappé brings star power, the squad’s collective strength will determine their success. Overemphasizing one player’s role could risk unsettling the harmony within the team, which is something the club must avoid.

There is also the possibility that certain tensions could emerge if the media continues to push the narrative of Mbappé as the undisputed leader. Players like Vinicius and Rodrygo, who have worked tirelessly to elevate their games, could feel undervalued, leading to potential disruptions in team chemistry.

A Leader in the Making, but Not Yet Unquestioned

For all of Mbappé’s qualities, leadership at Real Madrid is not an automatic right—it must be proven over time. While the French superstar has already demonstrated his value, it remains to be seen whether he can fully integrate into the club’s rich history of legendary figures. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Karim Benzema earned their status over years of consistent excellence and decisive contributions in crucial moments.

Mbappé has the potential to join that pantheon, but he is still in the early stages of his Real Madrid journey. Until he delivers in the biggest matches, such as Champions League knockout rounds and El Clásico encounters, his leadership will remain under scrutiny.

The Importance of a Collective Approach

For Real Madrid to remain successful, the emphasis must be on unity rather than individual stardom. The club’s best teams in history were built around a strong collective, rather than a singular dominant figure. Ancelotti and his coaching staff will need to ensure that all players feel valued and motivated to contribute to the team’s goals.

Jude Bellingham, for instance, has already proven to be an indispensable figure in midfield, blending creativity, goal-scoring ability, and defensive work rate. His leadership qualities, despite being only 21 years old, cannot be overlooked. Similarly, Rodrygo’s work ethic and ability to deliver in big moments make him a crucial asset.

A Dynamic and Evolving Leadership Structure

As the season progresses, the question of Real Madrid’s leadership will continue to evolve. While Mbappé’s influence is undeniable, he is not the sole figure guiding the team. Vinicius remains a key pillar, Bellingham is growing into a leadership role, and Rodrygo is proving his worth as a consistent performer.

Real Madrid’s strength lies in its ability to adapt and share responsibilities. The presence of multiple stars means that leadership is not confined to a single player but rather spread across the squad. This dynamic approach will be essential as they compete on multiple fronts.

Conclusion: A Team Effort, Not a One-Man Show

The debate over Real Madrid’s true leader may rage on, but the reality is that success at the club has never been about one player alone. Mbappé might be the face of the project, but Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Bellingham continue to prove that they are just as vital to the team’s ambitions.

Ancelotti’s task will be to maintain this balance, ensuring that no single player’s status disrupts the unity within the squad. If Real Madrid can continue to function as a collective force, they will be well-positioned to challenge for major trophies.

For now, the leadership of Real Madrid is a shared responsibility—one that goes beyond Kylian Mbappé and includes the many rising stars eager to make their mark on the club’s history.