Kylian Mbappé took the stage at France’s pre-game press conference. Mbappé opened the session by addressing the emotional weight of November 13 — the tenth anniversary of the 2015 Paris attacks, which
included the tragic events at the Bataclan theatre.
“Before we begin, I’d like to say a few words on behalf of the team, the coaching staff, and the players,” Mbappé began. “Tomorrow will be a special day. We want to remember those affected by the Bataclan attack. We know it won’t be a happy day, but we want the French people to understand that commemorating this day is important.”
The Real Madrid forward recalled his own experience on that night a decade ago, when he was a teenager watching from home in Monaco.
“I heard the news like everyone else. I was also scared, because it was close to home and my parents still live in Bondy. We called our relatives and saw the atrocities that were happening. We felt sadness; we wanted it to end. Playing ten years later is special — not in a good way — but we’re going to try to pay tribute throughout the day to the people who were affected.”
The 25-year-old also reflected on his own personal evolution, speaking candidly about how he constantly pushes himself to improve.
“You always have to evolve, as a person and as a player. I always try to improve; I hope the Kylian of 2025 is worse than the one of 2026,” he said with a smile.
Now well established as France’s captain, Mbappé acknowledged how much he’s grown into the role since first being handed the armband.
“When I first started wearing the captain’s armband, I was a rookie. Now I have more experience. I’ve grown as a person and as captain. I try to rely on the players, the coaching staff, and all the people who make up the national team. I try to understand their needs. I also try to have that perspective to improve the team and guide them towards the World Cup.”
