The French forward Kylian Mbappé opened up in an interview with Ana Pastor on La Sexta’s programme The Objetive. Questioned about Vinicius Junior and his preference between the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, the 26-year-old striker shared his true thoughts.
In dazzling form with Real Madrid, KM9 spoke during his free time at the Santiago Bernabéu. As usual, clever with the media, Madrid’s number 9, who makes headlines every week, handled the interview with La Sexta perfectly over the past few days. This Sunday, the Spanish outlet released the full exchange with Florentino Pérez’s favourite, who spoke openly about his arrival, his adaptation to Madrid, and his short and long-term goals.
Kylian Mbappé’s Interview
“I’m really happy here, happy to discover a new country and a new culture. I’m fully focused on football. We play every three days, and I don’t have time for much else.”
Why Real Madrid?
“I’m living a dream every day here. Zidane was my idol, I started playing because of him. This club has an aura others don’t. It’s the best in the world. Since Cristiano arrived, I’ve watched every match. He was my other idol. I had a dream and now it’s become reality.”
Zidane and his first memory at Real Madrid
“I met him when I was 13. I spent a week at Valdebebas and I could only speak to Zidane because I didn’t speak any language other than French. I had the chance to stay, but I couldn’t for family reasons. I couldn’t come alone. It was the right decision.”
Pressure in France and at PSG
“It can happen. I try to deal with it in the best way possible, even if you make mistakes because you’re only human. In 2022, it wasn’t easy telling him I was staying in Paris, but he always supported me, and that made a difference. He treated my family well too, and that matters.”
Transfer figures
“The numbers are important. I don’t mind talking about money, but there are more important things. I wanted to play for Real Madrid. Money matters, for sure, but the most important thing is to be happy on the pitch and in life, and I knew I’d be happy here.”
How he makes decisions
“I talk with my family. My father and I share a passion for football. I speak more on the emotional side with my mother. Since I was young, it was clear I wanted to play here. It’s something I wished for with all my heart.”
His mother’s role
“People have a tough image of her. In the football world, you don’t see many women. It’s not always viewed positively. She’s not my agent, she’s my mother. She only wants the best for me, the same for my brother, but he’s not as well-known.”
Racism
“It’s part of society, not just football. It needs to stop. Real action is needed. Players are more united today, but it’s still not enough. It’s very hard for us. We’re famous, and a lot of people love us.”
Mental health
“I know people and teammates who have experienced depression. I wasn’t playing well, but it wasn’t because of my mental health. I don’t like when people say that, because it’s a serious topic. People are no longer afraid to talk about it, and that’s a good thing. I hit rock bottom in sporting terms, not mentally. I have to respect the issue deeply.”
Criticism
“I don’t look at social media. It’s hard to protect my loved ones, who also get affected when people speak badly about me. We live in a bubble and know what can happen when we step onto the pitch. But our families aren’t used to it and don’t handle the pressure in the same way.”
Pre-match moments
“You can joke with teammates and opponents. I also talk to the kids in the tunnel before matches.”
The day of his presentation
“When I had to wait alone in the tunnel, those were the five longest minutes of my life. 80,000 people were waiting for me. It was crazy. The club told me it would be full. People understand that Real Madrid was my dream, and we share a passion. Zidane was there too. It was a surprise.”
His arrival in the dressing room and Ancelotti
“Everyone welcomed me. They sent messages. Ancelotti? He’s a bit of everything. He knows when to be a father, a friend, a boss. He’s a legendary coach and his experience speaks for itself.”
Vinicius
“I came here with the idea of playing with him. I can’t imagine a Real Madrid without him. We play well together and we’re going to help Real Madrid.”
His position
“The debate is normal. It doesn’t affect me. Cristiano knew how to play in all three attacking positions. I’m good in all three too.”
His best moment at the Bernabéu
“I love first times. I’ll remember my first goal. Also the hat-trick against City. People love Champions League nights.”
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