Real Madrid picks Vinicius Jr. as new project leader over Mbappe

Real Madrid has chosen Brazilian star Vinicius Junior as the leader of its new project, sidelining French forward Kylian Mbappe for the role, even as the club has yet to name the head coach who will steer the team next season.

The decision is reportedly tied to efforts to convince the 25-year-old to extend his contract. According to Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid has designated Vinicius as the cornerstone of the new era in order to persuade him to sign a renewal. His current deal runs until June 2027, but without an agreement, he will be free to negotiate with any club from January onward.

Vinicius may be elevated to the team's first captain, the report added. Club president Florentino Perez has already spoken with him about taking on the leadership role in the new project.

Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, currently at Benfica, is the leading candidate to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach next season, according to multiple media reports. Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 and is now being considered for a second stint.

"Whether Mourinho is in charge or not, Real Madrid wants Vinicius to be the link that holds the team together," Mundo Deportivo stated.

The newspaper also raised the question of how Mbappe, who shares an excellent relationship with Vinicius, will react. "The truth is that the Brazilian is the most popular player in the dressing room, despite his past on-field disagreements with some teammates," it noted.

Real Madrid finished the season without a trophy, losing La Liga to Barcelona, exiting the Copa del Rey early, and being eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals.