Vinicius or Mbappé: Florentino Pérez warns Alonso, “he must be at the head of the…”

As the curtains draw on a turbulent 2024-2025 season, Real Madrid finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. A season that began with immense hope—particularly following the long-awaited arrival of Kylian Mbappé—has not lived up to the expectations of Los Blancos’ faithful. With only La Liga still within reach, disappointment looms over the Bernabéu, following exits from the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and Champions League.

Now, president Florentino Pérez has taken matters into his own hands. Determined to re-establish Real Madrid as a dominant force both in Spain and Europe, Pérez is planning a significant shift in the club’s internal hierarchy and squad structure, centered around one key decision: choosing a clear team leader between Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé.

According to information from Spanish outlet Relevo, Pérez has already made up his mind. The club president believes that from the 2025/26 season, Kylian Mbappé must be the uncontested figurehead of the Real Madrid project. This decision, bold as it is, sends a powerful message—not just to the fans, but to the entire squad and incoming head coach Xabi Alonso.

Mbappé, the captain of the French national team and former leader of Paris Saint-Germain, brings with him not just talent, but the aura of leadership, prestige, and commercial power. Pérez reportedly views him as the ideal face of the post-Benzema and post-Ancelotti era. With Mbappé at the center, the club aims to replicate the clarity it once had during the Cristiano Ronaldo years.

This, of course, places Vinicius Junior in an uncomfortable position. Despite his tremendous development over recent seasons and his undeniable impact on the pitch, he will now be expected to serve as a supporting act to Mbappé, rather than being the main attraction. For a player who has grown used to the spotlight, it could be a challenging adjustment.

Florentino Pérez’s approach appears pragmatic. Rather than letting internal competition brew among superstars—as happened at various points this season—he wants to streamline leadership. Last summer’s signings created a blend of personalities and playing styles, but also presented a dilemma for then-coach Carlo Ancelotti, who struggled to balance Vinicius, Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham in the same system.

The results have reflected that difficulty. Despite moments of brilliance from all three, Real Madrid lacked cohesion and a clear identity in many key fixtures. With so much talent on the field, tactical sacrifices had to be made—and they often backfired. Pérez believes that by placing one undisputed leader at the core, these issues can be resolved.

Incoming coach Xabi Alonso has reportedly been informed of this strategy. The former Real Madrid midfielder, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to take over from Ancelotti in the summer. Known for his disciplined and tactically astute style, Alonso has shown that he can build cohesive teams even with modest resources. At Madrid, he will have world-class weapons—but also complex personalities to manage.

Sources close to the club say that Alonso is not opposed to Pérez’s directive. He understands the benefit of building the team around one central figure. With Mbappé’s experience and personality, the 43-year-old coach sees the potential for a smoother transition and a more balanced team dynamic.

However, this decision could have wider implications. Vinicius Junior remains a fan favorite, a player who has carried Madrid on his shoulders in recent seasons. Marginalizing him could unsettle parts of the dressing room, not to mention affect his morale and performance. Alonso’s first major task may be to ensure that Vinicius buys into the new hierarchy.

The Brazilian will need to adapt to a new role—possibly as a “lieutenant” rather than the commander-in-chief. His responsibilities on the pitch might shift, and he may no longer be the first-choice penalty taker or the focal point of Madrid’s marketing machine. It’s a bitter pill, but one Pérez expects him to swallow for the sake of the club’s new era.

At the same time, Mbappé will carry new pressures. Being the face of Real Madrid is unlike any role in world football. With immense expectations and a ruthless media spotlight, even a player of his caliber will be tested. Yet, Pérez believes the 26-year-old is ready for that burden.

The club’s history supports this strategy. Real Madrid’s greatest periods have always been marked by clear leadership—from Di Stéfano to Raul, from Zidane to Ronaldo. Pérez wants to recreate that aura, and he believes Mbappé can be the next in line.

Still, not everyone will be convinced. Critics argue that Real Madrid should embrace a collective approach rather than individual brilliance in the modern era. With football evolving tactically, some believe that building a team around one man could create limitations against elite opposition.

But for Pérez, clarity trumps compromise. After a season of imbalance and underachievement, he is betting that giving Mbappé the keys to the kingdom will restore Madrid’s competitive edge.

Whether this gamble pays off will depend on how Alonso handles the transition, how Vinicius responds to his reduced role, and how Mbappé embraces the expectations of being “the face” of Real Madrid.

One thing is certain: this summer at the Bernabéu will be more than just another transfer window. It will be the beginning of a new power structure—one that could define the club for years to come.