As Soon as He Arrived at Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold Received an Unexpected Privilege from Xabi Alonso That Greatly Upset Mbappé and Prompted Him to Speak Out
When Trent Alexander-Arnold arrived at Real Madrid in June 2025, the football world buzzed with anticipation. The English right-back, fresh from a storied career at Liverpool, joined the Spanish giants on a six-year contract, marking a new chapter under the guidance of incoming manager Xabi Alonso. However, what was meant to be a seamless integration into the squad quickly sparked controversy. An unexpected decision by Alonso, granting Alexander-Arnold a significant privilege, reportedly left star forward Kylian Mbappé fuming, leading to public comments that have stirred debate among fans and analysts alike.
Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid was a headline-grabbing transfer. After spending two decades with Liverpool, where he won every major trophy, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League, the 26-year-old opted for a fresh challenge. His arrival was seen as a coup for Real Madrid, especially as they prepared for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. With Dani Carvajal recovering from a long-term ACL injury, Alexander-Arnold was expected to bolster the right flank, bringing his exceptional passing range and attacking flair to a team in need of revitalization after a trophyless 2024-25 season.
Xabi Alonso, appointed as Real Madrid’s manager on June 1, 2025, was tasked with rebuilding a squad that had struggled under Carlo Ancelotti. Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title, was hailed for his tactical acumen and ability to maximize player potential. His decision to sign Alexander-Arnold, alongside other recruits like center-back Dean Huijsen, signaled a shift toward a more dynamic, possession-based style. However, it was Alonso’s early treatment of Alexander-Arnold that sparked the controversy.
Reports emerged that Alonso granted Alexander-Arnold a key role in shaping the team’s set-piece strategies, a responsibility typically reserved for senior players or coaching staff. This privilege included leading discussions on dead-ball tactics and even influencing player positioning during free kicks and corners. For a player who had just arrived, this level of trust was unprecedented and seen as a bold statement from Alonso about his confidence in the Englishman. Alexander-Arnold’s reputation as a set-piece specialist, honed during his time at Liverpool, where he delivered pinpoint crosses and free kicks, likely influenced Alonso’s decision. Sources suggest that Alonso viewed him as a creative force capable of unlocking defenses, particularly in high-stakes matches like the upcoming Club World Cup.
While this move was intended to leverage Alexander-Arnold’s strengths, it reportedly did not sit well with Kylian Mbappé. The French superstar, who joined Real Madrid in 2024 and won the Pichichi and Golden Boot in his debut season, was already under scrutiny for his lack of defensive work rate. According to Spanish outlet Marca, Mbappé expressed frustration that a newcomer was given such a prominent role so quickly, especially when he and other established stars like Vinícius Júnior had been asked to adapt to Alonso’s new tactical demands. Mbappé’s comments, made during a press conference before Real Madrid’s Club World Cup opener against Al Hilal, hinted at his discontent. “Everyone needs to earn their place,” he said. “We all have to work together for the team’s success, no matter how long we’ve been here.” While he avoided directly naming Alexander-Arnold, the implication was clear.
Mbappé’s reaction has sparked a broader debate about team dynamics at Real Madrid. Some argue that his frustration stems from the pressure to perform under Alonso’s rigorous system, which emphasizes collective pressing and defensive contributions from forwards. Unlike at Paris Saint-Germain, where Mbappé enjoyed more attacking freedom, Alonso has made it clear that even star players must sacrifice for the team. Vinícius Júnior, too, has been
