Mbappé fires back at Real Madrid critics with Ronaldo comparison

Kylian Mbappé looks fully back to his best. His stunning goal against Brazil on Thursday made that clear. But even while on international duty with France, the Real Madrid superstar has the club firmly on his mind.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s matchup against Colombia in Maryland, Mbappé sat down with Téléfoot and reflected on his role at Madrid, along with growing concerns in Spain about how his minutes will be managed leading up to the World Cup.

“In Spain, there’s a bit of concern about whether I’ll play enough and then go straight into the World Cup,” Mbappé said. He quickly pushed back on any doubts about his commitment. “The best way to prepare is to win everything first with Real Madrid.”

Life under the microscope at Real Madrid

Wearing the No. 10 for both club and country, Mbappé also addressed the unique pressure that comes with being the face of Real Madrid.

“Madrid is like a religion for people in Spain. They’re incredibly passionate, and there’s always a lot of talk and speculation, sometimes justified, sometimes not,” he explained.

Criticism, he added, is simply part of the job.

“Everyone has been criticized at Madrid. Ronaldo, Di Stéfano. I don’t see why I should be any exception.”

His approach is straightforward.

“You have to stay calm, focus on what you need to do, and ask yourself how you can improve your performance on the field.”

Bayern Munich looming in Champions League

Even with international duties underway, Mbappé already has one eye on what’s next at club level, and it doesn’t get much bigger.

“We’re facing Bayern Munich, which I think is the most in-form team in Europe right now,” he said. “But if there’s any team that can beat a side like that, it’s Real Madrid.”

He also made clear that the challenge isn’t limited to Europe.

“What’s coming up is extremely important for me, because we’re deeply involved in the Champions League and also in LaLiga.”

All eyes on his fitness vs. Colombia

For now, the focus shifts to France’s game against Colombia. Back in Madrid, there will be close attention on Mbappé’s left knee, which appeared to hold up well against Brazil after recent concerns.

The main question is how much head coach Didier Deschamps will use him in this second friendly. The France boss has already signaled he plans to rotate heavily compared to the win over Brazil in Boston.

For Mbappé, though, the message is clear. The World Cup may be on the horizon, but his priorities haven’t changed.

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