Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has acknowledged that Kylian Mbappé spent much of the 2025–26 campaign playing out of position, offering rare insight into a season that ended without silverware for the Spanish giants.
In a recent interview, Pérez said Mbappé was primarily used as a central No. 9 at Real Madrid, a role that differs from the left-sided attacking position where he built his reputation at Paris Saint-Germain. There, Mbappé typically operated from the flank, cutting inside with pace and exploiting space behind defenses.
“Mbappé is the best player in the world,” Pérez said, while stressing that tactical adjustments were made to suit team needs rather than individual preference. “We had to find balance in the squad, and sometimes that meant asking him to adapt.”
Despite the positional shift, Mbappé’s individual output remained striking. The France international claimed the Pichichi Trophy after scoring 25 league goals and finished as the top scorer in the Champions League with 15. His performances were one of the few bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming campaign.
Madrid ended the season second in La Liga, exited the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage, and suffered an early elimination in the Copa del Rey, an outcome that has prompted scrutiny from supporters and analysts alike.
Pérez, however, pointed to a congested schedule and injuries as key factors behind the team’s struggles. He specifically referenced the impact of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, suggesting that fatigue and limited recovery time disrupted the squad’s rhythm.
“There were many circumstances beyond our control,” he said. “The calendar has become increasingly demanding, and injuries affected our continuity.”
The Madrid president also moved to dismiss speculation about a lack of chemistry between Mbappé and Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior. Reports had suggested the two attackers struggled to coexist effectively in the same system, particularly with both favoring similar attacking spaces.
“There is no incompatibility,” Pérez insisted. “They are both exceptional players, and the responsibility lies with us to create the right structure around them.”
Looking ahead, Pérez signaled that adjustments would be made ahead of the next campaign but stopped short of assigning blame to the coaching staff or players. “We will correct what needs to be corrected,” he said, adding that the club remains confident in its long-term project.
For Real Madrid, a club accustomed to competing on multiple fronts, the pressure to respond is immediate. With Mbappé’s role now under renewed focus, the coming season may hinge on whether the team can better align its tactical approach with the strengths of its marquee signing.