In the world of football, Kylian Mbappé is taking center stage right now. Especially with the transfer market glimpsing its final week and the rejection of the last renewal offer adding spice to the soap opera. Real Madrid remains seated in the front row and its willingness to enter the scene, with a proposal that will definitely convince PSG, depends on the color of Bondy's shirt as of September 1.
Cover of the September 2021 issue of 'Esquire' magazine.
Esquire
Thus, in the middle of a hurricane, the magazine Esquire Has published an extensive interview with Kylian, in which he analyzes his entire career from a calm and personal prism, as well as endless topics ranging from his relationship with Neymar, the eternal comparison with Messi and Ronaldo and the delivery of the witness for the planetary throne, the conception he has of himself or of the French league and football.
Mbappé, the soul of a coach: “From a very young age I was always in the locker room, listening to tactical talks and different points of view, because football is made up of different points of view. I learned to have that tolerance, and I think it helped me, because being a coach is putting yourself in someone else's place. I think I have the gift of doing it. In football it helps, because if you are a player you generally think only of yourself, of your own career. But I can see, for example, when something in a match is frustrating to a partner. And I can reassure him. “
His vision of football: “A soccer team is not a group of friends. Just like a baker doesn't get along with all bakers. You don't have to have dinner with your teammates every night to win.”
Meeting with Neymar after winning the World Cup: “I will not step on your garden. I will be a candidate for the Ballon d'Or this year because you will not be, but I promise you that I do not want to take your place.”
The game against Barça at the Camp Nou: “It was the best game of my career, because it was complete. I helped my team both in attack and defense, and I was right in the creation and completion of my plays, in one on one. I won 90% of my duels If the statistics are correct. In the whole game, I didn't have a moment where I felt off. “
Ligue 1: “France is not the best championship in the world, but I have always felt the responsibility, as an emblematic player, to help the league grow.”
Pride: “Few change positions like me. Before there was a number nine, or a number seven. I have played up front, on the left and on the right. With all the humility, I don't think everyone is capable of changing their position. position like that every year and maintain great performance at the highest level. That didn't fall out of the blue. “
Premiere with the Selection: “The great players do not want you to take away their place. That is what makes them great players. And above all they do not want to give you their place if you arrive with the label of 'future great player'.
Is Mbappé a star?: “I think so. If your face is everywhere in the city, everywhere in the world, that's for sure. Being a star is a status, but it doesn't make me a better person than others.”
Difference with Neymar: “In Brazil they are more festive, in France more serious. Here it is not considered good to show your passions. People will think that PSG neglects because he plays poker. I think he has begun to understand it. At first it was difficult for him, because it he lived as an affront. When he arrived, they put his face on the Eiffel Tower, and six months later they ask him why he plays poker. In France, people know what you have, but they don't need to see it. They just want to see you playing football, smiling”.
Comparison with Messi and Ronaldo: “Everyone knows it. If you tell yourself that you will do better than them, it goes beyond ego or determination: it is lack of conscience. Those players are incomparable. They have broken all the laws of statistics. They have I had ten, fifteen extraordinary years. You always compare yourself to the best in your sport. (…) I think other players also watch me. I think that pushes footballers to elevate their game, just as Messi was good for Ronaldo and Ronaldo was good for Messi. “
Comparison with Haaland: “It is his second year, we are getting to know him. It is the beginning for him. I am happy for him, for what he is doing.”
Rivals: “There are quite a few anti-Kylian plans every game. It means that I have been recognized as a great player. It requires you to have several strings in the goal. And I like that, because I love challenges.”