Make Way for Vinicius? Coach Ancelotti Specifies Mbappe’s Position at Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti has finally revealed the position Kylian Mbappe will play in Real Madrid’s star-studded attack.

Speaking before Mbappe’s highly anticipated debut, Real’s coach Ancelotti appeared on the Obi One Podcast—hosted by former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel—to share with listeners that Mbappe will play as a center forward, but with some flexibility.

He explained: “I think he will play in the highest position. At the forefront of the attack, quite wide—the pitch is 68 meters wide. We have to cover these 68 meters with players at the front.”

“If I ask you where Vinicius played last season, it’s hard to say. He didn’t just play as a left winger; he moved around. The key for attacking players is their ability to move. Sometimes they can play on the left wing, sometimes in the center.”

“Bellingham sometimes plays on the left, sometimes in the center, sometimes on the right. Rodrygo starts most games on the right, sometimes I put him on the left. So the important thing is mobility.”

“I want to give them freedom. They have to be able to control the situation of the match. We played against Man City with both Vinicius and Rodrygo on the left wing because we thought we could take advantage. We are not too worried about where Mbappe will play. I think that’s correct; the important thing is the mobility up front.”

Mbappe officially joined Real Madrid on July 1, after his contract with PSG expired. His debut came after Euro 2024 ended, with Santiago Bernabeu Stadium packed with fans.

The 25-year-old striker wore the number 9 shirt, previously worn by Karim Benzema and unused during the 2023/24 season. It is known that Mbappe’s preferred numbers are 7 and 10, but veteran players Vinicius Jr and Luka Modric currently hold them.

Mbappe did not make his debut for Real in the friendly win over Albacete 3-0 on July 24, as he was resting after France reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024.

But Los Blancos fans won’t have to wait long to see him play, especially since the club’s medical team has determined that he doesn’t need surgery for the broken nose he sustained at Euro 2024.