Kylian Mbappe: “For me, playing for Real Madrid is like a gift from God”

Kylian Mbappe is currently in his second season at Real Madrid, having arrived from PSG as a free agent in the summer of 2024.

While it has not entirely been a roaring success for him at the Santiago Bernabeu, in terms of trophies, the French megastar has continued to deliver on an individual level.

In his debut season, Mbappe won the European Golden Boot, having netted 44 goals across all competitions. This time around, he is on track to beat that tally, having already scored 39 times from only 38 matches.

Having sat down for an interview with GQ (h/t Mundo Deportivo) recently, Mbappe opened up on a variety of topics, including what it meant for him to play for Real Madrid.

“For me, playing for Real Madrid is like a gift from God. To have the opportunity to live my passion, to play in the best matches, to be at the best club in the world,” said the France captain.

“I am always very grateful to be on the pitch, to get up every morning and do what makes me happy,” he added.

Talking about the feeling of stepping out on the Santiago Bernabeu pitch, Mbappe remarked:

“I love being on the field, and feeling that I am stepping on the best ground in the world, in a country that, football-wise, is one of the best in the world.” 

Living his dream. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Looking back on his career so far, the 27-year-old French superstar highlighted how it was important for him to keep progessing, even though he is currently living his childhood dream.

“The hardest part isn’t getting there. It’s staying there and continuing to progress,” said Mbappe.

Continuing, he added: “A career never unfolds exactly as you imagine it. There are things you can control and others you can’t.

“Today I’m in the environment I dreamed of as a child, because I’ve always tried to give myself the means to get here, through hard work, discipline, and high standards.”

On how his game has evolved through the years, Mbappe stated: “Without a doubt, it has evolved. When you start out, you play with a lot of carelessness; you mainly think about expressing yourself, about making a difference.

“Over time, you understand that football isn’t just what you do with the ball. It’s also everything that surrounds it: the teamwork, consistency, responsibilities. Nowadays, talent isn’t enough. What makes the difference is consistency.”

The France captain also touched on his World Cup ambitions, saying: “A World Cup is a special moment. You win it together, through perseverance and mentality. We have a lot of ambition, but also the humility to know that nothing is guaranteed.”