They aren't rivals, but they aren't the best of friends. According to Cadena SER, Kylian Mbappé isn't particularly close to Vinicius Jr. at Real Madrid. The two strikers are still regularly on the pitch and sometimes display a certain complicity, but on a day-to-day basis, their relationship is said to be fairly neutral. Journalist Anton Meana, who spoke with members of the Real Madrid club and those close to the French national team captain, explains that the former PSG striker gets along better with Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.

He reportedly has less affinity with "Vini," although "that doesn't mean they don't get along." The relationship between the Brazilian winger and the French center-forward is described as cordial. Nothing more, nothing less. "The relationship between Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. isn't as good as it seems. They're not brothers. They don't hate each other either, but they don't have an idyllic relationship," the Spanish media outlet summarizes.

"More of a leader than a captain," like Cristiano Ronaldo

Since joining Europe's most successful club, Kylian Mbappé has sought to be loved and embraced by displaying a particularly humble attitude. The Bondy star reportedly weighs each of his comments carefully before speaking publicly. So far, he prefers to remain discreet to better integrate at Real Madrid. "He doesn't always say what he thinks, like others do, to avoid misunderstandings. He also didn't want to impose himself on any area of ​​the pitch, as Carlo Ancelotti explained in a press conference," observes Cadena SER.

In Madrid, many compare him to Cristiano Ronaldo, "because he's more of a leader than a captain." Concerned about the image he projects across the Pyrenees, Kylian Mbappé strives to be exemplary, both on and off the pitch, with the goal of leaving an immaculate legacy. With this in mind, he draws inspiration in particular from LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers star, who is still at the top of his game in the NBA at the age of 40.

The two decisive stars this weekend

Since joining Real Madrid, "Kyky" has scored 28 goals and provided four assists in 41 games (all competitions). Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr. has scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists in 37 appearances. The two stars gave the Casa Bianca a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday. The Brazilian even provided the assist for his French teammate for the opening goal. It remains to be seen whether their partnership will work again on the pitch against Atlético Madrid this Wednesday in the Champions League round of 16 second leg (a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu in the first leg).