Alonso gives Mbappé new roles at Real Madrid

Real Madrid has begun preparations for the new 2025/26 football season under the leadership of Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, who has decided to give French star Kylian Mbappé new tactical roles within the team, most notably taking penalty kicks and contributing defensively.

The team’s players resumed training last Monday, following a period of rest following their participation in the Club World Cup. Real Madrid is scheduled to play a friendly match against Austrian club Watkins on Tuesday, August 12, as part of their preparations before the official start of the season.

According to Spanish media, Alonso has decided to rely on Mbappé as the team’s primary penalty taker next season, given the team’s struggles in this area since the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sergio Ramos.

The Spanish newspaper “AS” indicated that the minor injuries Mbappé sustained during the Club World Cup have prevented him from fully integrating into the new style of play planned by the coach.

The newspaper confirmed that Real Madrid will likely rely on a clear attacking duo within a flexible plan that may include a three-man defense, giving Mbappé a central role as a finisher, while also assigning him some defensive duties to support the team’s tactical system.

Real Madrid is expected to play its first official match in the Spanish Premier League on Tuesday, August 19, against Osasuna, in the first round of the new season.