🚩🏟️Team leader: Madrid fans decide between Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius (POLL)

Now forced to share his throne as Real Madrid’s star player with Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior is experiencing a dramatic decline in popularity among Madrid fans. A poll conducted by the daily newspaper Marca saw 22,000 voters make a resounding choice.

Real Madrid continues to shine globally thanks to its sporting achievements. While the club, meticulously managed by Florentino Pérez, keeps recording exceptional financial successes, the players are doing their part to uphold the club’s prestigious badge. In recent months, Kylian Mbappé’s arrival has generated unprecedented excitement around the Madrid squad. A true global football star, the 2018 World Cup winner with France and the hat-trick hero of the 2022 final against Argentina, KM9 wasted no time winning over the Madrid faithful, who are now beginning to forget Vinícius Júnior.

Marca’s poll results

Team leader: Madrid fans decide between Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius (POLL)

A recent poll conducted by the Madrid-based daily Marca among Madrid fans in Spain to determine the team’s leader revealed that Kylian Mbappé has won over everyone in just seven months. Concerns about his adaptation and coexistence with Vinícius Júnior—who was the squad’s star player before his arrival—are long gone. The French forward has simply done what it takes to command universal support. According to the poll, in which 22,000 Madrid fans participated, 46% selected Mbappé as Real Madrid’s current leader.

In second place is the tireless Jude Bellingham, who has also delivered exceptional performances since joining the Spanish capital last year. With 33% of the votes, the English midfielder is positioned just behind KM9. Surprisingly, third place in the poll went to Federico Valverde. A key figure in the Madrid squad, the Uruguayan player received 11% of the votes. At the bottom of the ranking is Vinícius Júnior, with just 7%.

A poll by Marca asked who the leader of Real Madrid is. After more than 22,000 votes, Kylian Mbappé had the most votes. pic.twitter.com/M5m3R7086F

— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) January 27, 2025

Although he isn’t technically last—3% of voters chose other Madrid players—Vinícius is in a dire position for a player of his calibre. Named Player of the Year at the 2024 FIFA Awards and the Globe Soccer Awards, the Brazilian winger has seen a significant drop in public favour over recent weeks. Suspended multiple times this season for largely avoidable bookings, Vini has left many questioning his temperament, which continues to cause him problems.

Kylian Mbappé’s stunning comeback

Team leader: Madrid fans decide between Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius (POLL)

While Vinícius has been letting the Madrid team down due to his frequent suspensions, he has watched the squad’s new attacking star thrive. Since December, the former PSG star has rediscovered his rhythm. Clinical in front of goal, Kylian Mbappé has been scoring prolifically. With 22 goals to his name this season, he is Real Madrid’s top scorer and has already earned the admiration of the Madrid faithful, who see him as the team’s number one figure.

With a calmer demeanour, the former Monaco forward is less embroiled in conflicts with Spanish fans—unlike Vinícius Júnior, who remains a polarising figure among parts of the Iberian public. Mbappé’s stock has soared. Currently regarded as a player on par with legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, KM9 has all the qualities needed to take permanent charge of Real Madrid’s team. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him appointed captain in the coming months.