Kylian Mbappe showing 'desire' to 'inspire' Real Madrid team-mates, says Xabi Alonso after France striker nets in victory over Osasuna
By Leon Imber
Published 20/08/2025 at 07:10 GMT+1
React to this story
Xabi Alonso said Real Madrid's new No. 10 Kylian Mbappe has shown a a "desire" to "inspire" his team-mates as the Spaniard got his domestic reign off to a perfect start with a 1-0 win over Osasuna on Tuesday. After limited pre-season preparations, Madrid took time to wear down their opponents but eventually found the breakthrough with Mbappe converting from the penalty spot to secure the victory.
Highlights: Rangers face fight to make UCL after nightmare first half
Video credit: TNT Sports
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso said he has noticed Kylian Mbappe's "desire" to "inspire" his team-mates after the French striker netted the only goal in their 1-0 season-opening victory over Osasuna.
In the dug-out for a La Liga fixture for the first time since succeeding Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, Alonso oversaw a less-than-straightforward victory over a counter-attacking Osasuna which was ultimately decided by Mbappe's penalty on 51 minutes.
Despite initially struggling to settle into Ancelotti's side last season, Mbappe still managed a return of 44 goals in all competitions.
This summer, Mbappe took over the No. 10 shirt from the departed Luka Modric, and Alonso said the 26-year-old has since looked to not only drive his own standards higher, but his team-mates too.
"You can see that Kylian wants to do even more after this first year where he did great things," said Alonso, per AFP.
"I don't know if it's linked to the new number or not, or simply to his desire to win, but he wants to improve individual and collective performance and inspire his team-mates.
"You can see his desire every day. Today he created those decisive moments that enable us to win matches."
There is a rich history connected to the No. 10 shirt at Madrid. The likes of Ferenc Puskas, Mesut Ozil, Wesley Sneijder and Luis Figo have all adorned the number.
Speaking on taking the shirt, Mbappe said: "It's special, an important number here. I wore the No. 9, which also was. I've been lucky enough to have two important numbers in two seasons, but the most important thing is to play here, at the Bernabeu, for Real Madrid."
- 'We need to be stronger' - Amorim says Arsenal defeat 'hard to accept' after contentious goal
- Newcastle adopt Paris Saint-Germain's 'bizarre' kick-off routine
- Alonso admits Trent not guaranteed Real start – ‘Not going to be about being fair’
The France international said Madrid are "happy" with the victory over Osasuna to kick off the league campaign, but that "we're going for more".
La Liga president Javier Tebas told the Associated Press last month that the league and Spanish FA had rejected a request from Madrid to postpone their opening match, which had been lodged by the club due to their involvement in the latter stages of the Club World Cup.
Despite feeling there were "some things missing" from his side's performance, Alonso said he was happy with the victory and cited Osasuna's longer pre-season compared to just the two weeks Madrid had to prepare for their opener.
'Nothing happening' with Rodrygo, says Alonso
Alonso insisted "nothing is happening" with Rodrygo despite the Brazil winger being an unused substitute on Tuesday.
Rodrygo has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, his lack of game-time against Osasuna raising further uncertainty over his future.
"Rodrygo? Nothing is happening," Alonso said. "I count on Rodrygo of course. It’s just a game. This was my decision."
Summer signings Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras and Franco Mastantuono all made their debuts for Alonso's side in the victory.
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement