Kylian Mbappé sat down with German outlet BILD for an interview where much of the focus naturally turned to Real Madrid. The French forward spoke candidly about his ambitions, his coach, and his dream of winning silverware in white.
Last season didn’t unfold the way Madrid fans imagined following Mbappé’s arrival, but this year brings a reset. Carlo Ancelotti is gone, and Xabi Alonso has taken charge with a fresh vision. Mbappé was quick to praise his new manager:
“I had a great impression of him.
You see a guy who wants to succeed. He knows the club perfectly because he himself played for Real Madrid as a player,” he said.
Focused on trophies
For Mbappé, the mission in Madrid is clear.
“Winning trophies” is his ultimate goal. He acknowledged the team’s perfect start to the league season, but stressed the importance of consistency: “We have to keep working, we have to keep pushing because we know how difficult it is to win trophies.”
When pressed on who he saw as favorites for the Champions League, there was no hesitation: “I always say Real Madrid.”
He also reflected on Barcelona’s dominance over Madrid last season: “We learned a lot from last season, but it’s time to prove it.”
Looking ahead to the World Cup
Mbappé noted that this season carries extra weight, not just for Madrid but also for players targeting the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada: “Of course, this will take some time. This season is very important for the club, but we are also heading towards the World Cup, so it is also important for all the players who want to go there, including myself.”
Bundesliga interest in the past
Asked about his past links to Germany, Mbappé recalled the Bundesliga clubs that once pursued him: “Bayern came to me when I was a little younger and could leave Monaco. Dortmund also inquired, and RB Leipzig. Those are just the three clubs I remember,” he laughed, before making his stance clear: “Everyone’s asking now, but it’s too late.”
Settling into Madrid life
Mbappé also appeared on Telefoot, where he spoke warmly about his adaptation to Spain:
“I’m happy where I am. I’ve fully assimilated my arrival in Madrid; it’s fantastic to be able to play there. Everyone knows it was my dream. Spain gives me a lot of love, respect, and recognition. It’s great. I feel lucky to be there. I try to give back as much as possible every day.”
He credited Alonso for giving him proper rest and preparation time this summer: “I feel good, I had a holiday, I was able to work well and I came back with clear ideas. It’s just the beginning of the season, and it’s starting well. I had more time this summer. I feel good, I’m happy.”
The Frenchman also praised his coach’s mentality: “There’s a lot of clarity, he’s very demanding, he’s hungry, he transmits that hunger. We still have to improve. We all have to work.”
Ballon d’Or hopes
Mbappé revealed his vote for Ousmane Dembélé in the Ballon d’Or race: “I think he deserves it, I hope he wins. I supported him from the start, it’s only natural. After that, we’ll see, it’s not up to us. There were votes, we’ll see. I hope Achraf is well ranked, it would be great for the defenders. Yamal is a very good player, but I can’t say anything about Barcelona (laughs).”
And what about his own Ballon d’Or ambitions? Mbappé didn’t shy away: “It’s on every player’s mind. It’s achieved through team trophies. I don’t break any taboos: if I have a successful season and win trophies, I want to win them too. We have to focus on helping my teams and winning trophies.”
