Kylian Mbappé has emerged from what many considered the most challenging period of his young career, as Pascal Dupraz, the former Toulouse manager, assesses his performance and behavior at Real Madrid. Following four goals across his last four matches, it seems the French international is finding his rhythm after what he termed hitting rock bottom earlier this season.
Mbappé’s recent scoring spree has raised hopes among fans and analysts alike. The forward currently boasts 14 goals across 24 matches for Real Madrid this season, marking him as one of the team's more productive attackers. After admitting to feeling overwhelmed during the initial phase of his tenure at the illustrious club, particularly after missing a penalty during a disappointing match against Athletic Bilbao, Mbappé appears to be on the upswing.
During his analysis on RMC Sport, Pascal Dupraz doesn't hold back his assessment of the young star’s return to form, stating, "Il est revenu à une certaine forme de normalité. Il était irrationnel dans sa manière de faire mais aussi dans sa manière de s’exprimer et sa communication. C’était quelqu’un de complètement différent, presque le Dieu du football." This French phrase translates to, “He has returned to some form of normality. He was irrational both in the way he behaved and in his mode of expression and communication. He was someone completely different, almost the God of football.”
Dupraz's comments speak to the struggles Mbappé faced not only on the pitch but also with the media and public perception. The immense pressure of playing for Real Madrid—the biggest club on the globe—can lead to overwhelming circumstances for even the most seasoned players, something Mbappé experienced firsthand. Dupraz emphasizes the need for Mbappé to find balance, pointing out, “Il ne touchait plus terre pour moi,” meaning, “He was ungrounded for me.”
While Dupraz recognizes Mbappé's undeniable talent, he also critiques the player's recent attitudes and decisions, particularly his choice to skip the French national team’s October gathering. He stated, "Il s’est moqué de nous de manière condescendante,” which translates to “He mocked us in a condescending manner.” This criticism reflects not only Dupraz’s disappointment but also signals wider concerns among fans and sports analysts alike about the star's public persona.
Kylian Mbappé's absence from the national team sparked significant discussions, considering his role as captain of the Les Bleus. Mbappé previously communicated his intention of focusing on his adaptation to life at Madrid as the reason behind his choice, leading to backlash among supporters and ex-players who believe commitment to the national cause should not be negotiated.
Despite these challenges, Dupraz conveys hope for Mbappé's future at Real. He believes the forward's recent performances suggest he is beginning to learn his role, saying, “Je pense que cette rédemption sera salutaire.” This translates as, “I believe this redemption will be beneficial.”
Dupraz asserts, “Mbappé, grâce à Ancelotti et à la qualité du club, va apprendre à jouer numéro 9,” meaning, “Mbappé, thanks to Ancelotti and the quality of the club, will learn to play as number 9,” highlighting the need for positional adjustments as Mbappé grows under the tutelage of Real Madrid’s skilled coaching staff.
Mbappé himself has acknowledged his past difficulties, stating, “Je me sens très bien dans l'équipe,” or, “I feel very good with the team,” following his recent match against Sevilla on December 22. He noted improvements not only within his own play but also emphasized the overall team dynamics as enhancing his own performance.
While challenges may still remain for Kylian Mbappé, his ability to score and influence games shows promise. Many are watching closely to see if he can transform not just as an individual star but also as the leading player revitalizing the storied legacy of Real Madrid.
With Dupraz’s candid observations echoing throughout the sporting press, Kylian Mbappé is at a crossroads—better performances could recast his relationship with fans and teammates alike, making the second half of this season pivotal. The narrative of redemption and growth continues to play out as both the player and Dupraz inspire discussion about the potential greatness still waiting to be achieved by this French football marvel.