Kylian Mbappé has shut down critics, saying he gets along greatly with Vinícius Júnior and they both want to help Real Madrid win big, as shared in a La Sexta interview.
Kylian Mbappé has put to rest any speculation about tension with his Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Júnior, declaring that he “can’t imagine Real Madrid” without the Brazilian star. The French forward, who joined the Spanish giants from Paris Saint-Germain last summer, addressed their on-pitch partnership in his first one-on-one interview since the move, aired on Spanish TV channel La Sexta on Sunday.
Mbappé’s arrival at the Bernabéu had sparked rumors that Vinícius might depart, with Saudi clubs reportedly circling the Ballon d’Or runner-up. However,recent reports claims that Vinícius is now more likely to ink a new deal with Madrid, quashing exit talk. Mbappé made it clear that playing alongside Vinícius was always part of his vision.
“The relationship [with Vini] is good,” Mbappé said. “It’s normal that people want to talk about us because we’re two famous players who can make a difference, but I came to Real Madrid with the idea of playing with Vini. I can’t imagine Madrid without him. We play well together, and while we can always improve—fans expect more, and that’s normal—I think we’re doing well and will keep pushing to help Madrid this season.”
The duo’s contributions have been vital as Real Madrid remains in the hunt for LaLiga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. After a slow start, Mbappé has found his stride, netting 22 goals in LaLiga and 33 across all competitions. Vinícius, despite an up-and-down campaign, has chipped in with 11 league goals and 20 overall, including seven in the Champions League.
Mbappé also opened up about his lifelong dream of joining Real Madrid, a club he adored as a child while watching legends like Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo. “I have no problems talking about money, but there are more important things,” he said. “Money is important, but for me, the most important thing is being happy on the pitch and in life.”
Addressing speculation about his comments on potential moves—like a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia—Mbappé clarified on X that his remarks had “no connection with PSG.” He explained, “The question was about the next step and the choice, for example, of Saudi Arabia or a club like Real.”
The 26-year-old also defended his mother, Fayza Lamari, against her “tough” reputation. “In the world of football, people don’t want there to be a lot of women,” he said. “She isn’t my agent, she’s my mother. She only wants the best for me.”
Reflecting on his early struggles at Madrid, Mbappé admitted to hitting “rock bottom” after missing a penalty against Athletic Club on December 4. However, he was quick to clarify it wasn’t a mental health issue. “I know people and teammates who’ve had depression. I wasn’t playing well, but it wasn’t for mental health reasons,” he said. “In Bilbao, I hit rock bottom in a sporting sense, not a mental one.”
As Real Madrid gears up for a blockbuster Champions League quarterfinal clash with Arsenal on Tuesday, followed by a Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26, Mbappé and Vinícius will be key to the club’s ambitions. With their partnership flourishing, Madrid fans have plenty to look forward to in this crucial stretch of the season.
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