‘I can’t control what is being said’ – Kylian Mbappe addresses Vinicius Junior relationship

Kylian Mbappe has dismissed suggestions of growing tension with Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior, insisting he “can’t control what is being said” as scrutiny around the pair intensifies ahead of their Champions League campaign.

The France captain was speaking on Monday ahead of Real Madrid’s league-phase opener against Inter Milan on Tuesday, with questions surrounding his partnership with Vinicius Jr dominating the pre-match press conference.

The pair faced criticism following Madrid’s 1-0 defeat by Real Betis on Friday, their first loss of the season. Their attacking relationship and contribution without the ball have increasingly come under examination as expectations rise around one of Europe’s most star-studded forward lines.

Asked directly whether he and Vinicius Jr get along, Mbappe played down the speculation and insisted his focus was on what the team can influence.

“It’s one of the millions of opinions there are at Madrid, so I can’t control what is being said,” Mbappe replied. “We have the objective of winning and we try to control what we can control.”

Mbappe admits he and Vinicius must improve

Mbappe was also challenged over the defensive work of himself and Vinicius Jr, particularly when compared with the intensity shown by Barcelona captain Raphinha and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele.

Rather than reject the criticism, the former PSG star acknowledged there was room for improvement but resisted the idea of singling out himself and Vinicius.

“Just me and Vinicius? I don’t know,” he said. “Of course we have to improve. That’s natural, like with every player.”

Mbappe argued that comparisons between individual players do little to address the broader demands placed on Madrid, stressing that a team of their stature must continue improving collectively.

“I could be silly and say that everyone else has to score as many goals as me, but comparisons don’t make sense,” he added. “I think we have to do things better with the ball, but that is the life of a top-level team.”

The comments come at a delicate stage of Madrid’s season, with the club still searching for a major trophy since Mbappe arrived from PSG in the summer of 2024.

PSG’s post-Mbappe success does not bother him

Mbappe was inevitably asked about PSG’s remarkable European success since his departure.

The French champions have won the Champions League in both seasons following the forward’s exit, while Madrid have yet to add a major trophy since his arrival.

For a player who spent seven seasons at PSG and left with the Champions League remaining the club’s elusive prize, the contrast has naturally generated debate over whether his departure ultimately benefited both parties.

Mbappe, however, refused to dwell on the narrative.

“It’s a football analysis and I can’t change that,” Mbappe said when the point was put to him. “I can’t speak in general terms, but honestly, I don’t really care.”

The 27-year-old instead suggested that the attention surrounding him is inevitable because of his status and commercial appeal.

“I’m not the person who knows the most, but I know a lot about football,” he said. “And I know that talking about me sells a lot.”

Champions League provides immediate response opportunity

With Inter Milan arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu, Mbappe and Madrid now have an immediate opportunity to shift attention back towards football.

The defeat by Real Betis has given Xabi Alonso’s side an early setback, but the Champions League represents the stage where Madrid’s biggest names are expected to deliver.