Kylian Mbappé will be Real Madrid’s main penalty taker in the forthcoming 2024/25 season. The Frenchman takes over the role from Vinicius Junior.
Vinicius was the first-choice penalty taker until he missed a crucial spot-kick in last season’s Champions League knockout tie against Atletico Madrid. But going into the new campaign, it appears a decision has been made on who takes the responsibility from 12 yards.
According to Spanish publication Marca, the decision shows just how important Mbappé is to Xabi Alonso’s plans. Despite missing a few in the previous season, Alonso is backing the French star.
Comparing Mbappe’s penalty statistics to Vinicius
Mbappé has scored 50 out of 63 penalties in his career. That’s a success rate of 79.3%. Vinicius, by comparison, has a lower rate, just 66%.
According to Foot Africa, last season, Madrid were awarded 19 penalties. They missed over a third. That sparked debate about who should take them. Now, there’s no more confusion.
Mbappé is the man for the job. He already took penalties at Monaco, PSG, and still does for France. So, this is familiar territory.
Last season, he scored 44 goals in 59 games and added five assists, per Transfermarkt. He won both the Pichichi and the Golden Boot.
With the number 10 on his back, the 26-year-old is arguably the face of Madrid’s attack. Vinicius remains key, but Mbappé leads the line.
Xabi Alonso had promised to make a clear call on penalty duties. He’s done just that. Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti, who left to coach Brazil’s national team.
When will Real Madrid begin their 2025/26 La Liga campaign?
Los Blancos begin their La Liga campaign on August 19 against Osasuna. And if they win a penalty that day, no doubt they’re stepping up as Alonso’s men seek to reclaim Spanish dominance from fierce rivals FC Barcelona.