Kylian Mbappe | Photo Credit: IMAGO

Kylian Mbappe has opened up on the problems that have come with being a rich global superstar, revealing the one thing that has prevented him from being fed up by football.

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has lifted the lid on his career, his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, and the pressures of life at the very top of football in a candid interview with L’Équipe.

The 25-year-old forward, now settling into life at the Bernabeu, admitted that while he values his years at PSG, he feels no regret about moving on — even though the French champions finally lifted the Champions League trophy just after his exit.

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“My story there is over, and I left with no regrets. We reached two semi-finals and one final, but didn’t win them, and my time passed. Real Madrid called me, and that has always been a dream of mine,” Mbappe said.

Mbappe’s transfer to Madrid marked the end of one of football’s longest-running sagas. Linked with the Spanish giants since his teenage years, he first turned down a move to Spain in 2022 to sign a contract extension with PSG, a decision that drew criticism but allowed him to continue his development in France.

Two years later, with his contract winding down and Real Madrid still in pursuit, the French World Cup winner finally made the switch. His unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer of 2024 was greeted by tens of thousands of fans, a moment he described as “the realization of a childhood dream.”

Mbappé reflected with humor on PSG’s European triumph that came once he had already left.

“Of course, looking back, you might think I’m a complete loser for leaving right before their triumph (laughs). But that’s football.”

Beyond trophies and transfers,Mbappe stressed that what keeps him grounded is his sheer love for the game, warning how money and pressure can easily overwhelm players.

“The more money you have, the more problems you have. Honestly, if I didn’t have this passion, the football world would have disgusted me a long time ago.”

With the French national team,Mbappe believes the current crop of talent could achieve greatness.

“This is the most talented squad I’ve ever seen. In every position, we have starters at the best clubs in the world. This team has the potential to be the best.”

Mbappe’s words paint the picture of a player who has grown from a teenage prodigy into a global superstar, but one still fiercely aware of the pitfalls that come with fame and fortune.

 His long-awaited move to Madrid has given him a fresh chapter, yet his driving force remains unchanged: the passion for football. Without it, he admits, the sport would have lost its appeal long ago.