The 2024-25 season marked the beginning of a new chapter in Real Madrid's illustrious history. With Kylian Mbappé finally arriving from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after years of speculation, expectations were astronomically high. Under the continued guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid faced the dual challenge of integrating a superstar signing while defending their Champions League crown. Here's how the season unfolded.
On June 3, 2024, Real Madrid officially announced the signing of Kylian Mbappé — ending one of the longest transfer sagas in football history. The French superstar signed a five-year contract, joining an attack already featuring Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, and the emerging Endrick. The question on everyone's mind was simple: how would Ancelotti fit all these stars into one team?
The answer proved to be one of the defining tactical challenges of the season. Ancelotti experimented with various formations — a 4-3-3 with Mbappé centrally and Vinícius on the left, a 4-4-2 diamond, and at times a fluid 4-2-3-1 that allowed players to interchange positions. The early weeks of the season saw growing pains, with the team sometimes looking disconnected in attack despite the individual brilliance on display.
Real Madrid's La Liga campaign was a rollercoaster. The opening months were marked by inconsistency — brilliant attacking displays alternated with defensive vulnerabilities that cost crucial points. The defensive partnership was tested by injuries, and the midfield balance took time to find with so many attack-minded players in the squad.
However, as the season progressed, the team began to gel. Jude Bellingham, who had been sensational in his debut season, adapted his game to play deeper at times, allowing Mbappé and Vinícius to flourish in forward positions. The English midfielder's versatility proved invaluable to Ancelotti's tactical plans.
Key moments in the league campaign included:
As holders, Real Madrid entered the Champions League with a target on their back. The new Swiss-system group stage format meant more matches and less margin for error. Real Madrid navigated the league phase comfortably, finishing in the top eight to earn automatic qualification for the Round of 16.
The knockout stages provided the drama that Real Madrid's Champions League campaigns have become famous for. The combination of Mbappé's devastating pace, Vinícius's dribbling ability, and Bellingham's box-to-box dynamism gave Real Madrid an attacking trio that could hurt any defense in Europe.
Thibaut Courtois, fully recovered from his ACL injury, was once again a commanding presence in goal, producing crucial saves in tight matches. His partnership with the defensive line gave Ancelotti's team a solid foundation upon which to build their European campaign.
Kylian Mbappé's first season at Real Madrid was a study in adaptation. After years of being the undisputed focal point of PSG's attack, he had to learn to share the spotlight with equally world-class teammates. The adjustment wasn't always smooth — there were matches where Mbappé looked frustrated, occupying the same spaces as Vinícius on the left flank.
Ancelotti's solution was to deploy Mbappé increasingly as a central striker, using his lightning pace to attack the space behind defensive lines rather than hugging the touchline. This positional shift yielded impressive results in the second half of the season, with Mbappé finding his scoring rhythm and developing a telepathic understanding with Vinícius.
⚽ Mbappé's first Bernabéu goal — a stunning solo run against Real Betis — was voted the best home goal of the season by fans.
While the headlines focused on the established stars, the 2024-25 season also saw the emergence of young talent from La Fábrica and new signings. Endrick, the Brazilian wonderkid who arrived from Palmeiras, made a significant impact in cup competitions and as a substitute in league matches. His raw talent and fearlessness in front of goal suggested a future star in the making.
Meanwhile, Arda Güler continued to develop, showing flashes of brilliance in his second season at the club. The Turkish international's technical ability and eye for goal earned him increased playing time, particularly in matches where Ancelotti needed creativity from the bench.
Carlo Ancelotti demonstrated once again why he is considered one of the greatest managers in football history. His ability to manage egos, rotate effectively despite having a squad full of stars, and adapt his tactical approach to different opponents was masterful.
Key tactical developments included:
The numbers from Real Madrid's 2024-25 season paint a picture of attacking dominance:
The 2024-25 season taught Real Madrid — and football fans worldwide — that even the most talented squads need time to develop chemistry. The early-season struggles were a necessary part of the integration process, and the patience shown by Ancelotti and the club's hierarchy was rewarded as the season progressed.
Whether the season ended with trophies or heartbreak, the foundation was laid for what could become one of the most successful eras in Real Madrid's history. With Mbappé, Vinícius, Bellingham, and a supporting cast of world-class talent, the pieces are in place for sustained dominance.
Track how the current era compares to history on our live trophy counter.