Penalty: Ancelotti finally appoints his official shooter between Vinicius, Mbappé and Bellingham

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has made a long-awaited and decisive call regarding one of the club’s most problematic areas this season — penalty-taking. After several costly misses from the spot, the Italian tactician has officially handed over the responsibility to none other than Kylian Mbappé.

The decision comes after a series of disappointing penalty outcomes that have directly affected the team’s results in both La Liga and European competitions. In total, Los Blancos have missed five penalties across all competitions this season, raising questions over the team’s composure and mental strength during key moments.

The most recent of these setbacks occurred last weekend when Vinicius Jr. failed to convert from the spot against Valencia. His miss proved decisive, as the match ended in a 2-1 loss for Madrid. That incident appears to have been the final straw for Ancelotti.

According to reliable sources from Marca, Ancelotti informed the squad that Kylian Mbappé will now serve as the first-choice penalty taker going forward. This decision takes immediate effect and will be implemented in the upcoming Champions League quarterfinal clash against Arsenal — a high-stakes encounter where every chance could be crucial.

Mbappé’s appointment as the designated shooter isn’t just about his accuracy; it’s a vote of confidence and a strategic move to restore calm and reliability to these high-pressure moments. The Frenchman has a strong track record from the spot and is renowned for his composure under pressure — two qualities that Real Madrid desperately need in their penalty taker.

Since joining Real Madrid, Mbappé has taken on more than just a role on the pitch — he has evolved into a natural leader. With 32 goals in 46 games, his impact has been immediate, and now, being trusted with penalties only adds to his growing influence within the dressing room.

The likes of Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. have both had their chances but failed to deliver consistently from 12 yards out. Their inconsistency has created unnecessary tension around a scenario that should typically be routine for a club of Madrid’s stature.

Ancelotti’s move isn’t just a technical tweak; it’s a message. A message that Madrid cannot afford to let small margins derail their ambitions this season. Whether in La Liga or the Champions League, every goal — especially from penalties — matters. And giving those responsibilities to someone as experienced as Mbappé is a calculated step toward maximizing the team’s chances in all competitions.

For Mbappé, this is also an opportunity to further cement his legacy at the Bernabéu. Being the man the team turns to when the pressure is at its peak is an honor — and a burden — reserved for the very best. It signals that Ancelotti sees him not only as a superstar but also as a trusted leader in clutch moments.

Penalty duties can often define reputations. Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Zinedine Zidane all carried this responsibility during their respective eras at Madrid. Mbappé now joins that elite list — a sign that he has fully arrived in every sense.

The decision also relieves pressure on younger stars like Bellingham, allowing them to focus on their broader game without the weight of penalties hanging over them. Similarly, it gives Vinicius the chance to refine other aspects of his finishing without the extra scrutiny.

Against Arsenal, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A missed penalty in a Champions League knockout round could spell disaster. That’s why the timing of this announcement matters. Ancelotti wants clarity, composure, and confidence heading into the biggest matches of the season.

Historically, Madrid have often thrived on strong leadership and decisive roles. From the days of Raul to Ronaldo, the club has benefited when responsibilities are clear. In Mbappé, they now have a talisman who can deliver in front of goal — not just in open play, but also from the penalty spot.

Carlo Ancelotti, known for his calm demeanor, rarely makes decisions on emotion. His choice to make Mbappé the penalty taker stems from hours of analysis, practice observations, and matchday performances. It’s the culmination of a process aimed at ensuring no more points are lost due to preventable errors.

In the end, this might seem like a small decision on paper — one player taking penalties instead of another. But in the grander scheme of things, it’s about restoring Madrid’s clinical edge. With league titles and European glory on the line, that edge could prove decisive.

And now, all eyes turn to Mbappé. With the pressure of the Bernabéu, the roar of the fans, and the weight of expectation, he will stand alone at the spot — ready to write yet another chapter in his Real Madrid story.