For a club built on pressure, dominance, and trophies, Real Madrid’s 2025/26 season has become a source of deep frustration. The disappointment stems not only from missing major titles but also from the underwhelming performances of the squad’s biggest names. Supporters expected a team packed with world-class talent to respond, yet the opposite has played out across much of the campaign. Even more concerning for insiders is that the same issues have reappeared for a second straight season.
The spotlight has naturally fallen on Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde—the four players seen as the faces of Real Madrid’s present and future project. Collectively, this quartet carries an astonishing combined market value of around €610 million, according to Transfermarkt. Mbappe alone is valued at €200 million, Vinicius at €150 million, Bellingham at €140 million, and Valverde at €120 million. On paper, few squads in world football can rival that individual quality. On the pitch, however, the reality has been starkly different.
Despite scoring 41 goals this season, Mbappe has faced increasing criticism from sections of the Real Madrid support. While his numbers remain impressive individually, many fans feel his contributions have done little to improve the team collectively during decisive moments. There is a growing belief that the French forward has become disconnected from the overall structure of the side, focusing more on individual moments than collective responsibility.
Vinicius still has one year remaining on his current contract, and renewal talks remain unresolved. Although Florentino Perez is keen to keep him, Vinicius has also drawn criticism for his role in internal tensions surrounding former manager Xabi Alonso. As for Bellingham, the midfielder has struggled to replicate the level that once made him one of Europe’s standout players. Injuries disrupted the start of his season, and even after returning, his performances have remained below expectations. Lastly, Valverde’s campaign has perhaps been the most emotionally disappointing. The Uruguayan has long been viewed as a natural future leader in the dressing room, but this season has exposed visible frustration in his game. Being constantly used in multiple positions has clearly affected his rhythm, while his altercation with Aurelien Tchouameni became another symbol of the growing tension inside the squad.
There is no unity within the Real Madrid dressing room. The biggest concern this season is the feeling that a squad filled with elite talent has failed to develop the mentality, leadership, and cohesion needed to compete at the expected level.