Vinicius May Resent Real Madrid's Support for Mbappe

Real Madrid could face tensions between two of its leading forwards as Vinicius Junior may be frustrated by the club's backing of Kylian Mbappe in the Ballon d'Or race, according to a report published by Sports Yahoo on October 10, 2026. The report cites a source close to a player who has good relationships with both stars, although it does not establish that Vinicius has personally expressed dissatisfaction with the club's position. The reported tension comes as Real Madrid continue to seek major trophies after a season without silverware.

Mbappe has strengthened his individual awards credentials through his goalscoring performances, but his lack of major honors with club and country remains a potential obstacle to winning the Ballon d'Or, according to the report. Sports Yahoo, citing reporting by Mario Cortegana, said the Brazilian forward might be unhappy with the attention given to Mbappe's individual award campaign. The report did not establish whether Vinicius's possible feelings influenced Real Madrid's public position or relative silence on the award.

Mbappe has emerged as a leading candidate following his scoring performances for club and country. The BBC reported on October 9 that he scored 42 goals in 44 games for Real Madrid last season, although the Spanish club did not win a trophy.

At the international level, Mbappe scored 10 goals to win the World Cup Golden Boot, according to the BBC. His career total at the tournament reached 22 goals, a record, while France finished fourth. Those individual achievements have not translated into the collective success Real Madrid expected. The latest report suggests that competition for individual recognition could become another source of friction as the club attempts to restore its position among Europe's leading teams.

The original plan behind Mbappe's arrival was to create a partnership that would share responsibility and attacking pressure with Vinicius. However, Sports Yahoo reported that the pair have struggled to produce consistent attacking output together, while Vinicius's standing has come under increasing scrutiny. The report did not provide direct comments from Vinicius confirming any disagreement with Mbappe or the club. Its account of possible frustration rests on information attributed to a source close to a player who maintains good relations with both forwards.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho publicly defended Mbappe against criticism of his conduct during the international break, according to ESPN, BBC and Al Jazeera reports published on October 9. The French forward had sustained a left knee injury on September 25 and attracted scrutiny after being photographed in Paris and Switzerland while recovering. Mourinho dismissed the criticism and confirmed that Mbappe would start Real Madrid's La Liga match against Villarreal.

He said the forward had undergone examinations at the club and consulted an external specialist because of his history of knee problems, with both assessments reportedly agreeing on his recovery plan. Real Madrid entered the Villarreal fixture six points behind Barcelona after seven league games, according to the BBC. The club's results and the relationship between its leading forwards remain central issues as the season progresses.