“Not the Kylian Mbappé I signed”: first signs of regret from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez as patience runs out?

After seven years of research, Real Madrid finally signed Kylian Mbappé this summer. The deal, celebrated as the start of a new Galactico era, has raised immense expectations, with the club eyeing Mbappe as the next superstar to lead their attack alongside Vinicus, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo. However, after just a few months, Florentino Pérez and Madrid fans are starting to wonder if this is really the Mbappé they expected, as his performance has yet to live up to the monumental hype surrounding his transfer.

Mbappé’s tenure in Madrid has not gone as planned. He started strong, scoring seven goals in all competitions, but recent matches have cast a shadow over his performances. That of the French drought objective– which has now spanned four games – has raised concerns, especially given his prolific goalscoring record in the French Ligue 1, where such a streak would have been virtually unthinkable. His struggle drew attention to his shooting inefficiency, as he made 51 shots for his eight goals, indicating an eagerness to score but a worrying lack of accuracy.

Los Blancos fans have started to voice their concerns, especially after recent disappointing results in La Liga and the Champions League. A demoralizing 4-0 home defeat to a young Barcelona side highlighted the gap between the club’s expectations of the 25-year-old and his actual impact.

After the loss, Perez reportedly expressed his frustration, saying: “It’s not the Mbappé I signed”, Statement revealed. The quote alludes to an earlier remark by Perez when Mbappe extended his contract with PSG in 2022 instead of moving to the Spanish capital. Then, he said, “He’s not my Mbappé” expressing a sense of betrayal when Mbappe chose to stay in Paris.

Playing out of position in Vinicius’ shadow

The situation is further complicated by Vinicùuswho has established himself as Real Madrid’s star player this season. The Brazilian, with his explosive pace and clinical finishing, was honored on the left wing– a position Mbappé would have planned to play. Instead, he was made central striker, a role he had previously expressed discomfort with, as he had openly rejected the number 9 position during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. This adjustment has apparently affected his performance, with Mbappe appearing out of sync and less dynamic in his new role.

Tensions between Mbappe and Vinicius emerged publicly after Vinicius’ hat-trick against Osasuna, during which the French captain was visibly frustrated, raising his arms when passes failed to reach him and appearing displeased as Vinicius celebrated his late goal without l ‘involve. The moves highlight a difficult dynamic within Real Madrid’s frontline, where Mbappe’s role as team leader has been less pronounced than expected.

Real Madrid’s patience in the face of Perez’s disappointment

Despite the challenges, Real Madrid’s strategy remains focused on patience, reminding That of Zinedine Zidane first difficulties at the club. Zidane, now revered at the Bernabéu, initially faced much criticism before winning the admiration of supporters. Madrid leaders hoped Mbappe could also win over fans with understated determination and excellence on the pitch. Yet recent weeks have intensified surveillance, Perez reportedly told coach Carlo Ancelotti that “Mbappé must start setting the tone and paving the way for his teammates”.

Real Madrid hoped to see the French international assert his leadership, both in the dressing room and on the pitch, fulfilling the promise of a star player who would define a new era for the club. But so far his low-key approach has left a void in Madrid’s vision of his role as the team’s figurehead.

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