Kylian Mbappé: “Everyone expects us to perform miracles”

Kylian Mbappé is the cover star of the latest Spanish edition of Vanity Fair, and the Real Madrid forward did not hold back during a wide-ranging interview conducted during the most recent international break.

The France captain reflected on everything from the pressure of playing for his country to handling global fame, speaking out politically and what it means to represent one of the biggest soccer nations in the world. He also touched on the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Here are the standout moments from the conversation.

Mbappé on playing for France

“There’s nothing better than representing your country. You become part of the elite of international soccer players.

“It’s difficult to be in a situation like ours, where everyone expects us to perform miracles. But miracles only happen on the field. There’s no point in playing the game before the game.”

Why he spoke out against France’s far right

During Euro 2024, Mbappé publicly warned against the rise of far-right politics in France, comments that sparked fierce debate across the country.

Now, he says he has no regrets.

“You can be a soccer player, you can be an international star, but above all else, you are a citizen.

“We are not disconnected from what is happening in our country. People sometimes think that because you have money or because you’re famous, those kinds of problems don’t affect you. But they do affect me, because I know what they mean and what kind of consequences they can have for my country when those kinds of people take control.

“We are citizens. We have the right to express our opinions like anyone else.

“It was something that left us deeply shaken. We couldn’t just stand by, tell ourselves everything would work out fine and go play soccer.

“We genuinely tried to fight against this idea that soccer players should stay quiet and just play.”

Living with global fame

Mbappé also spoke candidly about the realities of becoming one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet while still a teenager.

“I try to stay optimistic. It’s okay.

“Of course, it’s difficult because you have the feeling that you no longer belong to yourself, but to everyone else. But at the same time, this is a life we chose. Maybe not to this extent, but we chose it anyway.

“We committed to this. And it’s hard to focus on the negative when millions and millions of people show gratitude, appreciation and affection toward you. Complaining too much would feel ungrateful.

“I didn’t always know how to handle this situation very well. I became famous very young. I didn’t yet have the maturity, open-mindedness or empathy to put myself in other people’s shoes and understand that sometimes they may only see me once in their lives, and never again except on television.

“So now I try to be more understanding, even if sometimes people cross the line.”

“The French love complaining”

Mbappé also offered a humorous assessment of the mood in France, especially around the national team.

“Even before getting into that debate, I think it’s simply cultural. We’re French. The French love complaining. The French love being unhappy.

“That’s just who we are. French people judging French people, that’s how it goes.

“I think a French person is happiest when they’re unhappy. Because it’s true, we criticize everything. And I say ‘we’ because I’m like that too.

“But I think younger generations are trying to evolve that mindset, and it’s really beginning to change.

“Our goal, as public figures and as people representing France around the world, is to project the best possible image of our country.

“Yes, there’s a darker side we’re talking about here, but France is also a fantastic country that inspires the world through its culture and its values.

“Although it’s true that the French have tried to tear down all their players at some point.”

Mbappé on the 2026 World Cup in the United States

With the next World Cup set to be played across North America, Mbappé was asked about FIFA’s decision to bring the tournament to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“I don’t know what it takes to organize a World Cup. If you asked me to organize one, it probably wouldn’t go very well.

“If FIFA decides it should be held in the United States, it’s because they believe everything is manageable and that it’s possible for us to come here.”

The Zidane haircut story

Mbappé also shared a lighter moment from his childhood involving French legend Zinedine Zidane, whose hairstyle he once tried to copy.

“I was very little. It’s funny, but it also shows the innocence of a child who doesn’t understand how someone so famous and so strong could lose his hair.”

A different kind of childhood

Despite becoming a superstar at a young age, Mbappé described his upbringing as grounded and loving.

“I think I had a normal childhood. My parents were caring and attentive.

“In reality, I didn’t spend that much time with them. It was different, but it was what I wanted.”

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