Kylian Mbappe has addressed a major problem Real Madrid faced since Karim Benzema’s departure | OneFootball

Real Madrid have finally found long-term clarity from the penalty spot, and the solution has come in the form of Kylian Mbappe. 

According to a report from MARCA, the French star has effectively solved an issue that lingered at the club following the departure of Karim Benzema, delivering consistency where uncertainty once ruled.

When Benzema left after the 2022/23 season, Real Madrid were left without a natural successor as their designated penalty taker. 

A look at the history

Under Carlo Ancelotti, the responsibility was deliberately left open, with players encouraged to decide among themselves based on confidence and in-game feeling. 

While this approach maintained harmony, it lacked reliability.

The 2023/24 season highlighted the problem, as Vinicius Jr. converted all three of his penalties, but others struggled. 

Joselu scored just one out of three, while Luka Modric and Rodrygo both missed their attempts. 

Jude Bellingham did score his only penalty, but overall, Madrid’s conversion rate hovered around an unconvincing 55%.

Mbappe’s arrival

Mbappe has solved a big issue. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Mbappe’s arrival in 2024 was expected to bring authority, but even then, the hierarchy was not immediately fixed. 

During his first season, Mbappe took the majority of penalties, scoring seven from 10, while Vinicius converted four from six and Bellingham netted one from two. 

That changed under Xabi Alonso. While Alonso initially allowed some flexibility, Mbappe gradually became the undisputed first choice. 

Since that shift, no debate has existed, and the Frenchman has taken full responsibility.

Mbappe has now scored 12 of the 13 penalties he has taken for Real Madrid, a success rate of over 92%. 

His only miss came in El Clasico, a match Madrid still went on to win. 

In comparison, Vinicius has scored once from two attempts, while Federico Valverde missed his only effort in the Club World Cup against Al Hilal.

As a result, Real Madrid’s overall penalty conversion rate this season has jumped to 81%, a dramatic rise from 66% the previous year.