At Real Madrid, change is in the air. The Spanish giants, who have long been known for their ability to reinvent themselves from one era to another, are entering a new chapter with one of the world’s brightest stars leading the line — Kylian Mbappé. But to everyone’s surprise, the French striker is not forming his most notable early bond with Vinícius Júnior or Rodrygo Goes, the two Brazilians expected to be his closest partners. Instead, whispers from Madrid’s training sessions suggest that Mbappé is developing a unique understanding with an unexpected figure: Arda Güler
The young Turkish talent, who only recently began to show flashes of his immense promise, has become a central figure in Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations. Despite his limited appearances last season due to injuries, Güler has dazzled coaches and teammates alike with his flair, vision, and composure on the ball. What has shocked many, however, is the apparent chemistry he shares with Mbappé, a player whose natural instincts thrive on speed, movement, and decisive finishing.
Spanish newspaper Marca reports that Mbappé has shown clear admiration for Güler’s style, often seeking him out during training matches and drills. Observers have noted that Mbappé deliberately positions himself to receive passes from the 19-year-old midfielder, trusting his creativity and ability to find space. It is a relationship that seems to have developed quickly, sparking speculation that Madrid could be building a new attacking axis no one predicted.
For years, the spotlight in Madrid’s attack has focused on Vinícius, whose explosive runs down the left flank have tormented defenders across Europe. With Rodrygo also carving out his reputation as a decisive forward, the expectation was that Mbappé would slide seamlessly into a trident alongside the Brazilian duo. But Güler’s emergence has disrupted that narrative, creating fresh excitement around a partnership that blends youthful imagination with world-class precision.
Coach Xabi Alonso, who has taken over Madrid’s technical project, appears to be a driving force behind this surprising development. Known for his tactical intelligence and belief in dynamic attacking systems, Alonso has placed his faith in Güler as a cornerstone of his new philosophy. Rather than relying solely on raw pace and directness, Alonso wants a system where intelligence, movement, and positional rotations dominate play. In such a setup, Güler’s qualities shine, making him an ideal foil for Mbappé.
The tactical possibilities are fascinating. With Mbappé operating as the spearhead, Güler can slip into pockets of space behind him, threading through balls or unleashing shots from distance. His ability to dictate tempo complements Mbappé’s instinct for timing runs in behind defenders. Together, they offer a combination of guile and explosiveness that could redefine Madrid’s offensive identity for the new season.
Fans at Valdebebas, Madrid’s training ground, have already begun buzzing about the pair. Early training clips circulating on social media show Mbappé celebrating goals assisted by Güler, with the two exchanging smiles and gestures that suggest a growing bond. While still early days, supporters sense that something special may be forming, reminiscent of iconic duos that have defined eras in football history.
Rodrygo and Vinícius remain crucial parts of the squad, of course, and their quality is unquestioned. Yet, there is a feeling that Mbappé’s preference for linking up with Güler could shift the balance of attacking responsibilities. This doesn’t spell exclusion for the Brazilians, but it does hint at a tactical reshaping where roles are redefined and hierarchies evolve. In fact, Alonso’s plan might rely on flexibility — a system where multiple combinations are possible but the Mbappé–Güler connection becomes the most unpredictable weapon.
Across Europe, rivals are already taking note. Pundits in Italy and England have pointed out that Madrid may now boast not just depth in attack but also an element of surprise that could unsettle even the strongest defenses. Few expected Güler to rise to prominence so quickly, and fewer still predicted he would become the first player to earn Mbappé’s trust in the Spanish capital.
For Mbappé, this development may also be symbolic. At Paris Saint-Germain, he often had to shoulder the burden of leadership alongside established superstars. In Madrid, however, he is embracing the role of mentor to a younger player, guiding Güler and forging a partnership that represents both the present and future of the club. It is a refreshing dynamic that could strengthen Mbappé’s influence both on and off the pitch.
What lies ahead remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Real Madrid’s attack is no longer just about Vinícius or Rodrygo. With Arda Güler stepping into the spotlight alongside Kylian Mbappé, a new chapter is being written — one that carries the promise of excitement, unpredictability, and perhaps even dominance across Europe. The Bernabéu faithful may soon find themselves chanting a new duo’s names in unison, heralding the rise of an unlikely but potentially legendary partne
