Candid Mbappé opens up about mental struggles since moving to Madrid

Kylian Mbappé has experienced challenging times since his move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid. The Frenchman revealed this during a press conference ahead of the Champions League match against Red Bull Salzburg.

Candid Mbappé opens up about mental struggles since moving to Madrid Embed from Getty Images

With eighteen goals and four assists in thirty official matches for Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé’s individual statistics paint the picture of a player delivering solid performances.

However, the reality is more complex. Despite these numbers, the French forward has faced intense scrutiny from the Spanish media, which has not shied away from criticizing his contributions and influence on the team. The pressure intensified after Mbappé missed two crucial penalties in quick succession, one in the Champions League and the other in La Liga. These missed opportunities became a focal point for critics and added to the growing expectations surrounding his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain.

The second missed penalty, which came during a 2-1 loss to Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, was a particularly tough moment for Mbappé. Reflecting on that experience, he admitted how deeply it affected him. "That was my low point," he said candidly. "I always want to give more, to contribute more to a match. And when that doesn’t happen, it hurts. It was more of a mental issue. Physically, I felt fine, and I’m happy with the squad, but I needed to give more. After the match in Bilbao, I gave myself a wake-up call because I didn’t come to Madrid to play poorly." His openness about the mental challenges he faced reveals the immense pressure he carries, both as a global superstar and as the focal point of Real Madrid’s attack.

Despite these setbacks, Mbappé has shown resilience and a determination to turn things around. "Even when I wasn’t playing well, I was happy," he said. "Being here has always been a dream for me. That things weren’t going well was my fault, and now I’m doing better. I’m trying to immerse myself in Spanish culture, and that’s going well. I’m satisfied with my life." This self-reflection highlights his growth not only as a player but also as a person adapting to a new country, a new league, and the intense spotlight that comes with playing for Real Madrid.

Mbappé’s transition to Spanish football has not been without its challenges. Adapting to Real Madrid’s style of play, the expectations of the fans, and the relentless pace of La Liga has required both mental and physical adjustment. Yet, his recent comments suggest that he is now better equipped to handle these pressures. "I’ve learned to channel my energy differently and focus on improving every day," he shared. "It’s not just about scoring goals; it’s about helping the team in every way I can."

As Real Madrid looks ahead to the remaining fixtures in the Champions League group stage, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The club finds itself in an uncharacteristically precarious position, sitting in twentieth place. This is far below the standards expected of a team with Real Madrid’s pedigree. However, the gap to eighth-placed Lille, which represents the cutoff for direct qualification to the Round of 16, is just four points. With two matches remaining, against Red Bull Salzburg and Stade Brest, Real Madrid’s fate is still in their hands, but there is little room for error.

The upcoming match against Salzburg is particularly crucial. A victory would not only keep Real Madrid’s Champions League hopes alive but also serve as a much-needed morale boost for a team that has struggled to find consistency this season. After that, they will face Stade Brest, a team that, on paper, appears to be a more favorable opponent. Yet, in a season full of surprises and challenges, nothing can be taken for granted.

Mbappé’s role in these matches will be pivotal. As the team’s top scorer, much of the responsibility for turning the season around rests on his shoulders. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if he can rise to the occasion and lead Real Madrid out of their current slump. "These are the moments that define a season," Mbappé said. "I know what’s expected of me, and I’m ready to give everything I have to help the team succeed."

For Real Madrid, the path forward is clear but challenging. The team must rediscover the form and unity that has historically made them one of the most dominant clubs in Europe. For Mbappé, it’s an opportunity to solidify his place as a leader in the squad and prove that his move to Madrid was the right step for both his career and the club’s future.

Updated: 03:09, 21 Jan 2025

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