Kylian Mbappé reveals the dark side of football, stating he’d be disgusted without passion. He wouldn’t advise his child to enter the sport. Amid legal battles with PSG over unpaid dues, he scored his 52nd goal for France. He acknowledges the challenges fame and wealth bring, urging acceptance of public opinion.
Kylian Mbappé, the French football sensation and Real Madrid forward, has made startling revelations about the underbelly of the football world. In a candid interview, Mbappé confessed that were it not for his profound love for the game, the machinations and realities of professional football would have long ago turned him away. Furthermore, the superstar admitted he would hesitate to encourage his own child to pursue a career in the sport.
In a detailed interview with L’Équipe, Mbappé expressed a sense of resignation about the state of football, contrasting it sharply with his optimistic view of life. "I’m fatalist about the world of football, but not about life. Life is wonderful. Football is what it is," he stated, hinting at deep-seated issues within the sport.
Mbappé elaborated on his perspective, suggesting that fans who attend games are fortunate to witness only the spectacle, remaining unaware of the complexities and behind-the-scenes dealings. "I like to say that people who go to the stadium are lucky to only come and see a show and not know what’s going on behind the scenes. Honestly, if I didn’t have this passion, the football world would have disgusted me a long time ago," he explained.
The forward didn't hold back his concerns about the environment within football, asserting, "That’s the world we live in, and we can’t change it. I will never advise a child of mine to step into the football world." This statement underscores his worries about the pressures, ethics, and overall impact of a career in professional football on an individual's well-being.
The interview coincided with Mbappé achieving another milestone in his career, scoring his 52nd goal in 92 appearances for France during a 2-1 victory against Iceland. This accomplishment surpassed Thierry Henry’s previous record, cementing Mbappé’s status as a leading figure in French football history.
Adding to the complexities of his professional life, Mbappé’s departure from Paris Saint‑Germain (PSG) remains a contentious issue, leading to ongoing legal disputes. Despite withdrawing a harassment complaint against the club, Mbappé is seeking €55 million in unpaid salary and bonuses. PSG has countered with claims that Mbappé agreed to waive this amount upon his move to Real Madrid, further demanding €98 million from the player.
Reflecting on the financial aspects of his career, Mbappé commented on the challenges that come with wealth. "The more money you have, the more problems you have," he noted, emphasizing that increased financial success often leads to greater scrutiny and altered perceptions from others.
Mbappé addressed the changes in his personal life due to his fame and fortune. "Some people don’t see that your life has changed; they want to hold on to the image of you as a child when you were with them. But you’re not the same person any more. You have responsibilities, commitments, a job, people to answer to…," he explained, highlighting the difficulties in maintaining relationships and managing expectations.
Regarding his dispute with PSG, Mbappé clarified that his intention is not to harm the club where he rose to prominence. "It’s my right, it’s employment law. I signed an employment contract. I just wanted to be paid. I have nothing against PSG, I love the club, I have friends there, but this is the only way to get what I’m owed, something I’ve earned through the sweat of my brow," he stated.
In the L’Équipe special, entitled “Kylian Confidential,” Mbappé shares insights into his upbringing and career, accompanied by family photographs. "I often say that people don’t know me," he remarked. "A lot of what is said about me is far from the truth. Some people spend their entire careers waiting for recognition or for people to really know who they are. You have to learn to live with that."
He further elaborated on dealing with public perception: "You waste a lot of energy if you spend your time fighting it, and you’ll never win. When you look at the great French athletes, they’ve all been torn apart by public opinion at some point. I think it’s a necessary part of the process, and I’m fine with that."
When asked whether he feels fans expect too much from him, Mbappé responded, "I’ve never wanted to accept failure, so I don’t mind being criticised for it. I’m very hard on myself, more so than most people, so I’m very comfortable with that." These words illustrate his relentless drive for success and his acceptance of the pressures that come with being a world-class athlete.