Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has seen his fortunes shift dramatically this season, transitioning from early struggles to becoming one of the standout players for both his club and the French national team. After scoring two pivotal goals against Villarreal, leading Real Madrid to their first victory against the Yellow Submarine since 2017, Mbappe’s recent performances have sparked renewed optimism, particularly as he prepares to face Croatia’s Luka Modric in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League this week.
Signed as a free agent at the beginning of the 2024-25 season, Mbappe’s tenure at Real Madrid got off to rocky beginnings. Early concerns arose about his form as he failed to meet the high expectations attached to his status as one of the world’s elite players. Coach Didier Deschamps noted Mbappe faced “mental issues” shortly after his arrival, which led to his exclusion from the French national squad earlier this season.
Reflecting on his initial struggles during an interview with Le Parisien, Mbappe openly discussed the myriad of factors contributing to his lack of form. “A European Championship you don’t win, where you don’t play well; an end-of-season at PSG where you play much less,” he explained. This combination of disappointments, compounded by injuries and low confidence, coalesced to test Mbappe like never before.
“It’s just a series of things — injuries, poor performances, things I haven’t experienced much in my career. It forced me to work hard to become the player I know I can be,” he shared. Although it might seem surprising for someone of his caliber to undergo such challenges, Mbappe reassured fans this wasn’t his first encounter with adversity. “This isn’t the first time I’ve gone through something like this, but everything has changed around me — the way people look at me,” he admitted, alluding to the increased scrutiny he faces as his profile rises.
A significant moment for Mbappe came after he missed a penalty during Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat against Athletic Bilbao on December 4, 2024. “I hit rock bottom,” he said of this low point. Yet, contrary to one-time failures, Mbappe is now enjoying his resurgence. “I started feeling good at the end of November or the beginning of December, and things have been going well for the last three or four months,” he stated, reinforcing the notion of gradual yet sustained improvement.
Not only has he substantially stepped up his game, but he has also emerged as one of Real Madrid’s key players as they vie for honors across multiple competitions, including La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. Currently, he boasts 31 goals across all competitions, putting him second on La Liga’s top scorers list, just two goals behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s record during his debut season.
The recent two-goal performance against Villarreal exemplifies his recent form and his rising confidence. “I started to improve in matches, scoring goals again, becoming much more instinctive and connected,” he explained. This statement showcases his dedication to reclaiming his position among football’s elite, something he has firmly established over the past few months.
Certainly, as he turned his focus back to international action, Mbappe reiterated his ambitions to create history with Real Madrid. “I wish PSG the best, but I’m focused on Real Madrid and the chance to win a treble,” he stated, noting the unprecedented challenge this would present, especially for someone experiencing their first season with the club.
When asked about the future, Mbappe remained thoughtful about accolades such as the Ballon d’Or, also touching on his respect for his former team and coach. “What’s changed is everything around me, the way people look at me, more than me,” maintaining his stance on sportsmanship and mutual respect, even with former PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. “Of course I’d shake hands with Nasser if we meet,” he said, demonstrating professionalism amid significant past rivalries.
His commitment to the national team is equally as strong, as Mbappe prepares for the 2026 World Cup, which he describes as “the great challenge for this group.” He expressed pride at representing the French jersey, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and preparation as they approach the tournament.
With the momentum he’s gained, the road ahead looks promising for Mbappe. He’s not only rebounded from his challenging start but is also determined to redefine his legacy at Real Madrid. His ability to navigate through self-doubt, injuries, and the weight of expectations points to resilience many young athletes aspire to emulate.
The upcoming encounters, including the quarter-final clash against Croatia, will not only test his prowess as a player but may also serve as another chapter of his return to dominant grace. For Mbappe, every match is another opportunity — to inspire, to excel, and to carve his name among legends of the game.
