Kylian Mbappe has spoken out against reports of a strained relationship with Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Jr, claiming the media fuels speculation for profit.
The French superstar, who joined Madrid in the summer of 2024, insists he shares a “very good relationship” with Vinicius and believes the rumours are designed to “sell a lot of papers.”
Speaking with former Madrid player and coach Jorge Valdano on Movistar Plus, Mbappe said:
“Two famous players on the same team sell a lot of papers, they sell a lot of things. I have a very good relationship with Vinicius. Much better this year, we got to know each other much better. He’s a great player and, as a person, a very good person.”
The 25-year-old stressed that their common goal is to help Real Madrid win titles, brushing aside any talk of rivalry.
Mbappe’s high-profile move to Spain was expected to create one of the most lethal attacks in world football, but his early struggles in La Liga coincided with a dip in form for Vinicius. Spanish outlets quickly pounced on the narrative of “no chemistry,” fuelling reports of a rift inside the dressing room.
However, the duo’s current form suggests otherwise.
Mbappe has scored 14 goals in his first 10 appearances for Madrid.
Vinicius has contributed five goals and four assists in league action.
Together, they’ve already combined for 25 goal contributions, linking up for goals in three of their first eight league matches this season.
This is a major improvement compared to last season, when they were both on the scoresheet in only four of 26 league games.
While the Spanish press continue to speculate, Mbappe and Vinicius are silencing critics on the pitch. With Carlo Ancelotti deploying them in a fluid attacking system, Real Madrid’s frontline looks primed to terrorize European defenses once again.
The supposed rift may sell papers, but in reality, the Mbappe–Vinicius partnership is flourishing.
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