When Kylian Mbappé landed in Madrid, the anticipation felt like something out of an epic movie. The French star, finally at Real Madrid, was expected to be the player who would define the next chapters of the merengues' history. But the beginning wasn't quite what anyone expected — not for Mbappé, nor for the team.
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Admitting he "didn't have the best start to the season," the forward also made one thing crystal clear in his interview with Canal+ in France: he will turn things around.
The weight of the badge
Mbappé signed with Real Madrid already lifting a trophy: the UEFA Super Cup. He scored in the 2-0 win against Atalanta in August, which seemed like the perfect start for a player who had finally reached his "dream club." But soccer, as always, loves to throw obstacles in the way.
Real Madrid is currently second in LaLiga, two points behind Barcelona. That alone would be enough of a headache. But the biggest headache comes from their Champions League campaign, where the reigning champions have not found their rhythm yet. The merengues sit in 24th place, right on the edge of playoff qualification.
This is not what the fans expected. After all, at Real Madrid, the word "patience" barely exists.
The confidence of someone who knows what he wants
Even so, Mbappé remains confident. “I’ll succeed here,” he stated in his interview with Canal+, like someone who knows his talent will eventually rise to the occasion. And he’s not wrong. Talent has never been a problem for Mbappé, who has already proven himself to be one of the best forwards in the game today.
That's the fascinating thing about soccer, always asking for more from its biggest stars. A poor start by someone of Mbappé's stature is like a severe, almost unforgiving misstep. But not to him, no. For him, it was all about the ending: the trophies, the silverware, the titles. "That's what will count," he repeated, as if the second half of the season is when everything would be decided.
The shadow of a turbulent PSG exit
Mbappé's bad start is also carrying the shadow of his controversial exit from PSG. The forward left the French club amidst a whirlwind of controversies, rumors, and tensions with fans. Now, looking back, he admits that he may not have communicated well with the supporters, which contributed to the discomfort in his final months there.
The more humane side of Mbappé showed through when he made a revelation over his brother Ethan's influence in the process. In his explanation, he had stated that he almost extended with PSG for his brother who was promoted to the main team. Ethan, currently at Lille, would have found himself out of place if Kylian left at one point in time from the PSG.
What's the use of signing for the best club in the world if it means ending your brother's career?" he asked. The statement brings to light that even at the threshold of his dream-to-play-for Real Madrid, Mbappé opted to put his family first.
Pressure and response
Mbappé knows exactly where he is. Real Madrid is a symbol of excellence; there, winning is not an option, it's the least that's expected. When the Frenchman says that "the second half of the season is what will count," he means getting ready for what the fans demand: performances that justify every penny spent to bring him to the club.
Now, at Real Madrid, Mbappé has the perfect chance to prove once more that he belongs at the top on merit alone.
A clear objective
The Champions League remains the ultimate target: the tournament that defines heroes and immortalizes legacies. Mbappé understands this, and even when he speaks of PSG-the club which molded so much of his career-he made a statement of intent known: he does not want his old team to win the Champions League this year.
“I’m the one who wants to win it,” he said. It’s a simple but powerful statement. Mbappé wants the trophy to belong to him and Real Madrid.