Vinicius Junior, the Ballon d’Or: Kylian Mbappé gives it all away on the Sixth

In an exclusive interview with Ana Pastor on La Sexta’s “The Objective” program, Kylian Mbappé opened up about various topics close to his heart, including his connection with Vinicius Junior, the Ballon d’Or, and his future ambitions. The 26-year-old French forward, currently lighting up the pitch for Real Madrid, shared his thoughts candidly with the Iberian media, touching on his arrival at the club, the pressures of elite football, and his dedication to his craft.

Kylian Mbappé’s Dream Realization

Mbappé’s arrival at Real Madrid marked the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. He reflected on his childhood admiration for the club and its iconic figures. “I live a dream every day here,” he confessed. His admiration for Zinedine Zidane, who was both an idol and an influence during his formative years, was evident. “Zidane was my idol, I started for him. This club has an aura that others don’t have. Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival, I’ve followed every game. He was another idol of mine.”

Mbappé’s journey to Madrid was filled with anticipation and excitement. He recalled his first memory of the club, which dates back to when he was just 13 years old. “I knew Zidane when I was 13. I spent a week at Valdebebas, but I could only speak French, so I could only communicate with him. I had the chance to stay, but it wasn’t possible due to family reasons. It was a good decision for me,” he explained.

The Pressures of Playing for PSG and the Reality of Madrid

Mbappé’s decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for Real Madrid came after years of speculation, particularly in 2022 when he made headlines by deciding to remain in Paris. He spoke about the pressures of living under such intense scrutiny in his home country, especially during that time. “It wasn’t easy in 2022 telling everyone that I was staying in Paris, but my family and I knew it was the right choice. The pressure is constant, but we manage it,” he noted.

Despite the pressures, Mbappé has never wavered from his commitment to pursuing excellence on the pitch. The importance of family and support systems in making these life-changing decisions is something Mbappé holds dear. “I talk to my family, especially my father. We share a love for football. I always wanted to play for Real Madrid,” he shared with conviction.

Real Madrid’s Impact on His Career

For Mbappé, the transition to Madrid was not only about a change of scenery but also a significant step in his career. “The money matters, of course, but what matters more is the happiness of playing football. I knew I would be happy here, and that was the most important thing,” he said. The French forward’s philosophy is clear: he values his personal and professional growth above all else.

The pressure of representing one of the most prestigious clubs in the world is immense, but Mbappé has adapted well. “We play every three days, and I don’t have time for much else. I’m focused on football and learning every day,” he explained, highlighting the intensity of the demands on a top-tier player like him.

The Influence of Carlo Ancelotti and the Madrid Family

Mbappé’s arrival at Madrid was marked by a warm reception from his teammates and coaching staff. “Everyone welcomed me well, and Ancelotti played a big part in that,” he said. The French forward described his relationship with the legendary coach, emphasizing the balanced and personal approach Ancelotti brings to the team. “He knows when to be a father, a friend, and a leader. He has left his mark on this club’s history and continues to do so.”

Vinicius Junior and Their Partnership

One of the most talked-about aspects of Mbappé’s time at Madrid has been his partnership with Vinicius Junior. The two forwards have already formed a formidable duo on the pitch. Mbappé expressed his admiration for Vinicius and his desire to play alongside him for years to come. “I came to Madrid with the idea of playing with him. I can’t imagine Real without him. We have a good connection on the pitch, and we’ll do everything we can to help the team,” he said, reinforcing the strong bond between them.

Vinicius has faced his share of criticism, but Mbappé is adamant that the Brazilian’s presence is integral to Real Madrid’s future success. “Vinicius is a key player for us, and I’m happy to play alongside him. We will achieve great things together,” he added.

Coping with Criticism and the Pressures of Fame

Like many top athletes, Mbappé is no stranger to criticism and the challenges of fame. He candidly shared his views on the subject, emphasizing the importance of managing the external pressures. “I don’t look at social media. It’s difficult to protect my family from the negativity, as they’re affected too. We live in a bubble, and we know what can happen when we step onto the pitch. But my family doesn’t handle the pressure the same way,” he admitted.

Mbappé’s experience with racism, which has been an unfortunate reality for many players, was also addressed. He called for more concrete actions to combat racism both in football and society. “Racism is a societal issue, not just a football one. We need real actions to stop it. Players are more united today, but it’s still not enough,” he stated, acknowledging the ongoing battle for equality.

Mental Health and the Importance of Support

Mental health is another important topic Mbappé touched upon. He acknowledged the importance of addressing mental well-being and supporting teammates who might be going through difficult times. “I know people who have dealt with depression. I’ve been in situations where I wasn’t playing well, but it wasn’t due to mental health issues. It’s a serious subject, and I respect it deeply,” he said.

The conversation highlighted the importance of open dialogue and providing support, both on and off the field, to ensure that players can maintain a healthy mental state amidst the demands of elite sport.

Mbappé’s View on His Role and Future at Real Madrid

When asked about his role at Madrid, Mbappé stated that he’s comfortable playing in any of the three forward positions, just like Cristiano Ronaldo, who was a versatile attacker during his time at the club. “I can play in any of the three attacking positions. It’s a normal debate, and it doesn’t affect me. Cristiano could do it, and so can I,” he remarked.

Mbappé also looked back on some of his memorable moments at the Santiago Bernabéu, including his first goal and his Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City. “I’m a fan of firsts, and I’ll always remember my first goal here. The hat-trick against City was special, too. People love Champions League nights,” he said with a smile, reflecting on some of his standout performances for the club.

The Future: What’s Next for Kylian Mbappé?

As Mbappé continues to shine at Real Madrid, his future is filled with promise. His ambition is clear: to win more titles with the club and to keep pushing the boundaries of his own potential. “I want to achieve everything possible with this club, and I’m focused on working hard every day to make that happen,” he concluded, leaving fans excited for the future.

The interview concluded with Mbappé reiterating his admiration for the club and his commitment to being a key figure in its ongoing success. Real Madrid’s fans can rest assured that their star forward is fully invested in the club’s future and in building a winning legacy at the Santiago Bernabéu.