Why is Real Madrid’s star player afraid of heading the ball—an aerial weakness exposed?

Real Madrid have not shied away from reaching the byline and cutting the ball back, but there has been a noticeable drop in deep crosses this season. This decline is partly due to inconsistent performances from their full-backs and significant changes in their attacking lineup last summer.

Los Blancos parted ways with Joselu Mato after his impressive loan spell, where he contributed 17 goals and 3 assists, often coming off the bench. His aerial ability was a key asset for Carlo Ancelotti, providing a different attacking threat that also complemented Jude Bellingham’s movement.

With Endrick Felipe and Kylian Mbappe now leading the attack, Real Madrid have adapted their strategy, focusing more on low deliveries into the box. Neither player is particularly tall or known for their heading ability. According to Diario AS, Mbappe’s reluctance to go for headers stems from a fear of aerial duels.

Earlier in his career, while playing for AS Monaco in 2016, Mbappe suffered concussions, which instilled a sense of caution when heading the ball. A year and a half later, he experienced another concussion, further reinforcing his hesitancy. During Euro 2024, he also had to wear a mask after breaking his nose, which affected his breathing and added to his discomfort.

Despite scoring 23 goals in 35 games this season, none have come from headers, highlighting a clear gap in his attacking repertoire. While it hasn’t significantly hindered his performance, concerns about the long-term effects of frequent heading—such as increased risks of dementia—make his caution a valid concern.