Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is backing Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior to decide the club’s penalty taker this season.
Los Blancos were awarded their first penalty of the 2024/25 season as Vinicius Junior dispatched the equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Las Palmas.
That indicates the Brazilian will be Real Madrid’s spot kick specialist this season with club captain Luka Modric not a starting pick for Ancelotti.
Vinicius scored all three of his penalties last season, and looked certain to take on the job, if Mbappe had not joined.
However, the Frenchman’s arrival in Madrid has complicated the situation, with a career tally of 42 penalties scored from 51 taken.
Ancelotti opted for player control on the matter ahead of a key La Liga clash with Real Betis tomorrow.
“It’s a decision for the players to make. It’s right to give responsibility to Mbappe and Vini , I prefer they decide because I have confidence in them”, as per quotes from Relevo.
“It will depend on how they are in the match and what each of them needs.”
Mbappe heads into the home game looking to score his first league goal for Madrid after failing to fire in the first three games of the campaign.
The majority of Ancelotti’s squad will then head away on international duty with Mbappe set to captain France in UEFA Nations League action against Italy and Belgium.
Towaeklrsy
119
problem coming🤔 Mr fight for penalty will never allow vini to take it....coz he want fame
omaryaradua
86
This is good news for Barca fan. Let them keep on fighting cuz it will help us.
ALEXANDERSALEKXZ10
65
it shows ancelloti doesn't have the power to handle them.....now that's poor
Hohcdmns
56
Too many world class players in a team doesn’t always work out!
Doselnor
47
So the coach can't decide
kayomolayoolo
43
Anceloti is weak as a coach, he should tell vini to start from where he stop, as for mbape since he did not allow Messi and neymar to take penalties at psg even fighting neymar, vini should not allow him take penalties, it's called karma
GodFather88
23
Why don't just give that responsibility to jude.. so there won't be a tension between Vini and Mbappe..
Bill95
21
Mbappe as the number 9 should take the penalties. In the last few games I saw Vini J wanting to carry the team all by himself, doesn’t give accurate passes to Mbappe, always looking for Rodrigo, dribble too much and it’s getting boring n the Laliga defenders are quick to study his moves so his losing it. Am a Barca fan but i must speak the truth, Vini is competing with Mbappe which is not good for the team.
coteknos
17
I would let Modric take it. Cool as ice, experienced, and places the ball exactly where he wants. Even as a Barça fan, I always have thought that Modric is of the highest caliber player.