Mbappé was willing to set aside his Real Madrid dream for his little brother

Kylian Mbappé rarely steps into the spotlight for extended interviews, but on Sunday afternoon, the French superstar made an exception.

Appearing on Clique, a popular program broadcast on Canal+ France, Mbappé spoke openly for nearly an hour about the pressures, challenges, and defining moments of his recent months, from his role with the French national team and personal controversies to his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid and the adaptation that followed. It was a rare opportunity to hear the thoughts of one of football’s most scrutinized figures as he opened up about the struggles he has faced both on and off the pitch.

For the French national team, where he serves as captain, Mbappé’s recent absences from international duty have been a point of speculation and debate. He addressed these head-on, explaining that his decisions were not taken lightly. “There’s nothing more important than the national team,” Mbappé insisted. “In September, I had an earlier conversation with the coach, Didier Deschamps, and I asked if I could skip the international period. I had just moved to a new place, wasn’t in my best form, and hadn’t had a vacation. He insisted that I come, and I respected that. But things didn’t go so well.” His October absence was due to an injury, but the situation escalated when images of him in Stockholm surfaced, leading to criticism and questions about his commitment. Mbappé dismissed the controversy, offering his explanation. “I didn’t expect it to become such a big story. I had five days off, and I decided to leave. I needed to get away for myself, to clear my head, but the coach advised me to go somewhere less visible. Unfortunately, the photo was taken as I was leaving a restaurant there were a lot of journalists waiting outside. I wasn’t hiding anything, but I realize now how much attention follows me.”

His frustrations were compounded by the European Championship last summer, a tournament that brought little joy for him personally. It began with a broken nose in France’s opening match, which hampered his ability to perform at his best. The weight of expectation, combined with fatigue, took its toll. “At the Euros, I broke my nose, and I was exhausted. I wanted to stay because you give everything for the French team. But it was draining, mentally and physically. I needed to reset. I went straight on vacation. I didn’t wait long after our elimination; I knew I had my presentation in Madrid coming up, and I needed that time for myself to recover and prepare.”

When the conversation turned to his transfer to Real Madrid, Mbappé revealed the emotional complexity of the decision. After years of speculation, he finally completed his long-awaited move last summer, leaving Paris Saint-Germain behind. Yet, it wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed. Mbappé admitted that his younger brother Ethan played a key role in his thought process. “I told Ethan: if you want to stay at PSG, I’ll extend my contract, and we’ll stay a bit longer. I would have given up my dream of Madrid for him,” Mbappé said, highlighting the bond he shares with his sibling. “Ethan is my brother; he’s untouchable. For him, PSG is what Real Madrid is for me his dream club. But he told me that it wasn’t right for them to put me in that position. He understood what I wanted, and I’m grateful to him for that.” These words shed light on the personal sacrifice and the weight of family connections that often go unseen behind the scenes of high-profile transfers.

Now at Real Madrid, Mbappé finds himself in a new chapter of his career, one that comes with immense expectations and scrutiny. His performances in the opening months of the season have been met with mixed reviews, something he openly acknowledged. “You discover a new context, a new club, climate, and environment. You open all your senses to everything around you. At first, you need to observe, to understand how things work, but I will succeed here,” he stated firmly. Adapting to Madrid’s demanding environment hasn’t been easy, and Mbappé admitted that his start could have been better. “It hasn’t been the best start of the season for me, but I’m not worried. Only the trophies matter at the end of the season. We’ve already won the European Super Cup, and that was important for us. We haven’t fully met our expectations yet, but Real Madrid is a club that comes alive in the second half of the season. That’s when the real challenges begin, and that’s when people can judge us.”

Mbappé’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the mindset of one of the world’s most scrutinized athletes. He is a player who carries the weight of expectations not just for Real Madrid but also as the face of the French national team. His honesty reveals the strain that comes with living under constant pressure, but also his unwavering determination to overcome it. Balancing the demands of a global superstar while remaining true to his personal and family values is no small feat, yet Mbappé approaches it with a maturity that belies his years. As he concluded the interview, his message was clear: despite the challenges, he remains confident in his ability to succeed. “I will succeed here. I have no doubt about it.”

These words embody the confidence and resilience that have defined Mbappé’s career thus far. Whether it is overcoming injury, managing controversy, or meeting the demands of Real Madrid’s high standards, Mbappé remains steadfast in his pursuit of greatness. For both his club and his country, his journey is far from over, and his ambition continues to burn brightly. As the second half of the season approaches, all eyes will be on Mbappé to see whether he can turn this chapter into yet another story of triumph.