Kylian Mbappé appeared less reserved than usual. The French national team captain responded to Le Parisien He answered 20 questions posed by family, friends, teammates from the French national team, and members of the staff. For over an hour, the Real Madrid striker alternated between humor, self-deprecation, and personal revelations.
"President? I'm already hated enough as it is."at"
When asked about the idea of one day becoming President of the Republic, Mbappé humorously dismissed the possibility: "President of the Republic? No, I'm hated enough as it is." A short, ironic response, but revealing of the very particular place he occupies in the French public debate: sports star, captain of the Blues, but also a constantly commented-on personality.
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, PSG and a relationship that goes beyond conflict
Mbappé also addressed his relationship with Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, despite the financial dispute that followed his free transfer from PSG in the summer of 2024. The Parisian club was ordered to pay him nearly €61 million in back wages, bonuses, and unpaid vacation time. The player doesn't dismiss this legal action, but refuses to reduce his seven years in Paris to their tense ending. He states clearly: "Nasser is someone I respect."
“I can’t pretend it didn’t happen.”
The former PSG striker recalls that Paris held a central place in his career. He played there from 2017 to 2024, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer and later captain of the French national team. He also acknowledges Al-Khelaïfi's role in his journey, explaining that PSG and its president played a major part in his rise to Real Madrid and the captaincy of Les Bleus.
A broken nose at Euro 2024: “If that happens to me again, I’m going home.”
Mbappé also revisited his broken nose during the first Euro 2024 match against Austria, following a collision with Kevin Danso. He now acknowledges that he probably should have left the competition. At the time, Didier Deschamps was opposed to his departure, and the player wanted to stay with the group. But his perspective has changed: "If that happens to me again tomorrow, I'm going home."
The striker also recounts the physical aftermath of the injury: the nose being put back in place, the pain, the painkillers, the need to wear a mask, and the difficulty breathing normally. He sums up that moment: "Well, we're in deep trouble." Despite everything, he continued in the Euro until the semi-final which he lost against Spain.
His brother Ethan teases him about defense
Another key moment: Ethan Mbappé asks him if he ever plans to defend or press. The question is direct, almost familial in its pointed remarks. Kylian Mbappé then acknowledges that he needs to improve in this area. His answer is clear: "I need to take it to the next level."
Mbappé promises to do more without the ball
The French captain insists he wants to put in more effort in pressing and defensive work, especially during this World Cup. He puts it simply: "This is something that is important for the teams and I have to do it." This is a revolution: he knows and admits that his contribution can no longer be limited to goals, runs, and bursts of speed. Will this be followed by action? We'll find out in the coming days…
A World Cup under pressure
Mbappé arrives at this World Cup in a very high-profile situation. His season at Real Madrid ended without a trophy, despite 42 goals and 7 assists in 44 matches across all competitions. He remains, however, the linchpin of the French national team, boasting an impressive record in the World Cup: 12 goals in 14 matches, just four shy of Miroslav Klose's all-time record. A single goal would also allow him to equal Olivier Giroud's record as the all-time leading scorer for the French national team.
As a reminder, France begins its World Cup campaign against Senegal this Tuesday at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Mbappé arrives with criticism, expectations, memories of the Euros, his status as captain, and his stated desire to win.
