Report: Ancelotti strips Vinicius of penalty duty after Valencia miss

Vinicius Junior had a penalty saved against Valencia (Credit: Imago)

Report: Ancelotti strips Vinicius of penalty duty after Valencia miss

Faruq Ibrahim 23:09 - 07.04.2025

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly made a definitive decision on their spot-kick takers.

Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly stripped Vinicius of penalty duty and named Kylian Mbappe the first-choice taker, effective immediately. 

The Brazil international has been responsible for spot kicks since last season; however, he is now said to have lost the privilege to Mbappe. 

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Vinicius penalty record 

When he signed in the summer, Mbappe was expected to replace Vinicius as the first-choice taker; however, the 24-year-old remained in charge, albeit delegating the responsibility to Mbappe in instances. 

Vinicius has missed two crucial penalties for Los Blancos this season, first in the Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid. While they eventually won the derby, there was no such respite when he missed a penalty in Real Madrid's 2-1 defeat to Valencia.

Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior Real Madrid boycotted the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony after learning the award was not going to Vinicius Junior (Credit: Imago)

Mbappe named new taker 

According to Marca, the French star has been made the new first-choice kicker. Asked earlier in the season who the first-choice taker was, Ancelotti said he was leaving it to the players to decide. However, he is said to have made a ruling on the matter. 

Mbappe has not been flawless from the spot either, as he has missed two of the eight penalties attempted. Jude Bellingham will assume the role of second-choice kicker. 

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