Kylian Mbappé is increasingly close to Real Madrid, a club with which he would have already agreed a substantial contract that would make him one of the offensive stars of the merengue project. However, the competition to secure a place in the starting eleven appears to be complicated for the world champion.
In Real Madrid’s attack, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo Goes stand out, two players who have managed to take Real Madrid to another UEFA Champions League final and who could win their second continental title if they defeat Dortmund at Wembley, next June 1.
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An Mbappé who doesn’t know what it’s like to win the Champions League will have to compete for a place in the starting lineup
This status of UEFA Champions League champion is something that Mbappé has never experienced, and could play a key role in his start at Madrid, as assured by the Brazilian legend, Rivaldo.
When asked if Rodrygo or Vinicius could be harmed by Mbappé’s presence in the Real Madrid squad, the 1999 Ballon d’Or winner defended his compatriots, assuring that the one who should be worried is Mbappé himself:
“I don’t think Rodrygo or Vinicius will be harmed by Mbappé’s signing for Real Madrid. The pressure, I think, is on Mbappé, who is going to arrive at a team that is probably the Champions League winner, a title that Mbappé has never won. If Real Madrid wins that title, it will be in part thanks to Rodrygo and Vinicius,” began the legendary player’s analysis.
“Even though Kylian is a great player, he will have to prove that he deserves to be a starter ahead of those who are there now, who have done a great job and, in addition, have won titles that he (Mbappé) does not have,” he concluded.
However, Rivaldo believes that Mbappé will be very important for Real Madrid in the very near future, predicting that he will be successful due to the great achievements he has already accomplished in his career:
“Mbappé will have to show his talent when he arrives at Real Madrid. He is a great star, he has already won a World Cup, was the top scorer in another one, he is going to a big club that is always reaching the Champions League final, surely with the football he has, he will do a great job.”
Remembering Zagallo
Sambafoot Series launched a new documentary about the football legend Zagallo. Known as ‘Velho Lobo‘ and as superstitious as it gets, Zagallo helped shape what Brazilian football is nowadays — as a player and as a coach.
Watch the full series, available on Sambafoot’s Youtube channel.
