The Athletic FC Podcast
Episode: Has Mbappé Overtaken Vinicius as Real Madrid's Main Man?
Date: September 17, 2025
Host: Ayo Akimolere
Guests: Guillermo Ray (Madrid writer), Colin Miller (reporter), Jack Lang (voice note on Brazil)
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into the evolving dynamics at Real Madrid, focusing on Kylian Mbappé’s rapid ascension as the central figure of the squad and the shifting role of Vinicius Jr. The panel assesses the impact of manager Xabi Alonso, discusses tactical changes, evaluates new signings like Mastantuano and Alexander-Arnold, and touches on off-field topics such as refereeing controversies and Sergio Ramos’s musical career. The discussion is rich with context, insider perspectives, and tactical analysis, offering insight into Madrid’s current project and potential future.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Real Madrid’s Champions League Return & Mbappé’s Emergence
Segment: [02:21]-[06:28]
- Real Madrid secured a 2-1 Champions League victory despite Dani Carvajal's red card.
- Kylian Mbappé, now in his second season, is emerging as Madrid’s leader, taking on penalty duties and becoming the undisputed starter up front.
Notable Quote:
"Mbappé is at his best moment right now... He really helped the team. Now he takes all the penalties... He is now more confident."
— Guillermo Ray [03:21]
- Colin Miller notes that while Mbappé scored 44 goals season one, Madrid’s lack of silverware overshadowed his impact, but he’s now fitting seamlessly as the main striker.
- There’s an evolution—not a revolution—in playstyle under Xabi Alonso, who stresses tactical discipline and system-driven football over the previous attacking freedoms.
2. Xabi Alonso’s Impact & Tactical Evolution
Segment: [06:28]-[08:32]
- Xabi Alonso has focused on instilling compactness and discipline, especially among attacking players.
- The challenge remains fitting Mbappé, Vinicius, and Rodrygo—players who excel in similar positions—into a coherent front line.
- The balance is delicate and subject to ongoing tactical tweaks.
Quote:
"It’s more of an evolution... Alonso has brought in a bit more of that discipline into this style of play."
— Colin Miller [07:20]
3. Rising Stars: Mastantuano
Segment: [08:17]-[12:12]
- 18-year-old Argentinian Franco Mastantuano, Madrid’s priciest summer signing, has quickly broken into the starting XI, even starting over Vinicius in the Champions League.
- Praised for his verticality, unpredictability, and versatility on the right—he draws comparisons to Ángel Di María.
Quote:
"When you see him perform, you feel that it’s a different character, a different player... He can play from the right wing, which is great for Real."
— Guillermo Ray [08:32]
- Colin Miller points out that this was a ‘coach-driven’ signing under Alonso, representing a new approach for Madrid in player acquisition.
4. Injury Setback: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Segment: [12:12]-[14:51]
- The high-profile acquisition from Liverpool suffered a muscular injury minutes into his Champions League debut.
- Chelsea's approach to his signing was more club-driven than manager-driven, contrasting with Alonso’s involvement in other recent transfers.
- The injury raises concerns given Carvajal’s own fitness history.
5. The Mbappé vs Vinicius Dynamic
Segment: [19:01]-[26:06]
- Host Context: Just a year ago, Vinicius was Champions League final hero and Ballon d'Or nominee, but now Mbappé’s influence is growing.
- Colin Miller suggests much of the issue is stylistic—both prefer similar roles, but the larger question is tactical balance and midfield control.
- Vinicius’s form and starting status are under scrutiny, with rotation now seeing him benched more frequently.
Quote:
"Vinicius has changed completely... He was almost the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or last season and now... he’s not a real starter anymore."
— Guillermo Ray [22:51]
- Vinicius’s contract runs until 2027, but renewal talks have stalled.
- There’s speculation about potential tension between Vinicius and Xabi Alonso, especially with Vinicius’s camp surprised by his recent omissions.
6. Vinicius Jr & The Brazil National Team
Segment: [26:06]-[28:29] (Guest: Jack Lang)
- Vinicius was left out of the latest Brazil squad due to suspension and logistical challenges; his national team impact hasn't yet matched his Madrid performances.
- Carlo Ancelotti in charge of Brazil adds a layer of intrigue, as he knows Vinicius well.
Summary:
"There’s still a lingering feeling that [for Brazil] this is someone whose best is hopefully still to come.”
— Jack Lang [27:36]
7. Real Madrid’s Project & Future Planning
Segment: [29:44]-[35:05]
- Madrid’s transfer strategy is becoming more coach-driven, seeking players that fit Alonso’s system over marquee names.
- Key future priorities identified: revamping the aging defense, finding a midfield controller in the vein of Kroos/Modrić, not just stars up front.
- William Saliba (Arsenal) is highlighted as a potential defensive target fitting Madrid's renewed long-term focus.
- Young midfielders like Camavinga and Tchouaméni viewed as core to next phase.
8. Refereeing 'Conspiracies' and VAR Drama
Segment: [37:27]-[41:45]
- Madrid’s public complaints against refereeing decisions are set within a long tradition of political maneuvering in Spanish football.
- The conversation covers the impact of the Negreira scandal (allegations of payments to a referee official) on club attitudes and external perceptions.
9. Sergio Ramos: Footballer to Music Star?
Segment: [41:45]-[46:22]
- Former captain Sergio Ramos’s recent single—a breakup ballad about his time at Madrid—was discussed lightheartedly.
- The song’s lyrics reflect on his love for the club and the bittersweet nature of his departure.
- Panel jokes about Ramos's musical prospects ("Auto Tune can make anyone a star") and speculate on Florentino Perez's likely reaction.
Memorable Lyric:
"It’s a good thing I left because you didn’t treat me the same... Everything was as I dreamt it to be until it was time to wake up."
— Sergio Ramos, as translated by Guillermo Ray [42:41]
Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps
-
On Mbappé’s Leadership:
"He’s now the one undisputed starter in this Real Madrid attacking unit..."
— Colin Miller [04:29] -
On Alonso's tactical approach:
"Alonso has brought in a bit more of that discipline into this style of play."
— Colin Miller [07:20] -
On Mastantuano's magic:
"He almost scored in the first half. I think he was very vertical, which is great for a midfielder at Real."
— Guillermo Ray [09:30] -
On Vinicius's Changing Role:
"He’s not a real, real starter anymore. He has been on the bench in the last two of the last five games."
— Guillermo Ray [22:51] -
On Ramos's music debut:
"Now we have Auto Tune, so I guess everyone can be a music star..."
— Guillermo Ray [43:04]
Structure & Flow
- The episode flows from reactive Champions League match analysis into broader tactical trends, then zooms out to transfer policy and Madrid’s long-term direction.
- Discussions are frank but light, with ample insider tidbits and direct responses to fan questions.
- The podcast closes on a high note with playful banter around Sergio Ramos’s off-field artistic ambitions.
Summary Table of Key Topics
| Topic | Segment | Speakers | Key Quote/Highlight | |------------------------------------------|--------------------------|-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Mbappé’s rise as main man | 02:21–06:28 | Ray, Miller | "He is now more confident." — Ray | | Xabi Alonso’s tactical imprint | 06:28–08:32 | Miller | "Evolution, not revolution." — Miller | | Mastantuano’s emergence | 08:17–12:12 | Ray, Miller | "Different character, a different player." — Ray | | Alexander-Arnold’s injury | 12:12–14:51 | Ray | Concerns over squad rotation and transfer policy | | Mbappé vs. Vinicius: Who’s #1? | 19:01–26:06 | Miller, Ray | "Not a real, real starter anymore." — Ray | | Vinicius’s Brazil form | 26:06–28:29 | Jack Lang (voice note)| "His goal record for Brazil is much, much weaker..." — Lang | | Madrid’s five-year plan | 29:44–35:05 | Miller, Ray | "It’s going to be coach-driven decisions." — Miller | | Refereeing controversies | 37:27–41:45 | Miller, Ray | Overview of complaints, Negreira case, and VAR impact | | Sergio Ramos’s song & legacy | 41:45–46:22 | Ray, Miller | "A love breakup song... such a Sergio Ramos thing to do." — Miller |
Conclusion
This episode deftly unpacks the new power dynamics at Real Madrid, spotlighting how Mbappé’s emergence and Alonso’s philosophy are driving a generational transition in the squad. The interplay with Vinicius Jr.’s form and future is explored with nuance, as are matters of squad building, youth integration, and off-field drama. For committed fans or football insiders, this episode is a rich source of context on Madrid’s present and their path forward.