Kylian Mbappe, a French professional footballer who plays for Real Madrid and captains the France national team, is considered one of the best players in the world. He is known for his dribbling, finishing, and speed.
Mbappe grew up in Bondy, a suburb of Paris, and began playing soccer as a child. His talent and speed caught the attention of scouts, who offered him trials with top clubs in France.
From the Parisian suburb of Bondy to a global football star, Kylian Mbappe's story is a testament to innate talent, hard work, and unyielding determination. Explore the key moments that propelled him to his coveted status as one of the world's greatest players.
Kylian Mbappe was introduced to football at an early age by his father, Wilfried, who coached him and the team at local youth club AS Bondy. At just six years old, he began playing in matches against older children, and his incredible speed and skills soon made him a standout player.
Mbappe's talents earned him a spot at the Clairefontaine institute, a national center for the development of elite soccer players. He spent several years at the academy, and his impressive performances caught the attention of many European clubs. In 2013, Mbappe signed with AS Monaco, which competes in Ligue 1, the top-tier French league. Mbappe immediately became a key member of the team and was hailed as a new generation superstar.
In his time in Paris Mbappe won five Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards and has been the league's top scorer for six consecutive seasons. He is also a global ambassador for the club and a major partner for brands including Nike and Hublot.
His relationship with PSG's hierarchy became tense at times, not least when the World Cup was over and Mbappe told the club he would not be triggering his option year. The standoff resulted in him being left off the preseason tour of Japan and South Korea as well as training with the club's second string, with marketing featuring him removed from the club's website.
Mbappe later posted a video on the club's X app criticising his treatment by the team and saying "it was not good for me". His departure this summer was expected as he had just one season remaining on his contract. It is also believed that Mbappe was unhappy with the limited competition of Ligue 1, with just twice in his seven years at PSG making it to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Mbappe’s performances at both PSG and the French national team have raised the profile of football in France and abroad. His success has inspired young players to pursue their dreams of becoming professional footballers.
Born in Bondy, a suburb of Paris, Mbappe began playing at AS Bondy’s youth academy when he was six and immediately stood out as a prodigious talent. His skills and speed quickly caught the attention of scouts from top clubs, and in 2017 Mbappe made a high-profile move to PSG, one of the most prestigious teams in the world, for a staggering fee.
Mbappe’s teammates and coaches have created a supportive environment that allows him to thrive on the field. They understand his unique needs and help him create routines and strategies that minimize sensory overload during games, which can lead to anxiety and decreased performance. They also provide him with emotional support and other resources to manage the pressure of being a high-profile international star.
As the new year begins, Mbappe finds himself embroiled in another transfer standoff. He has not taken up the option to extend his PSG contract into 2025, which means he is free to negotiate with other clubs. PSG's case rests on the argument that Mbappe has already entered into an agreement that he cannot leave without substantial financial compensation, a claim they will take to sporting tribunals.
It is likely that Mbappe will eventually move on, and he may end up in one of Europe's elite clubs. His departure would be a blow for the Parisians, but it could be the catalyst they need to galvanise their squad. The club will have to look to the future a little more closely now, but they can still aim high. The prospect of winning the Ballon d'Or - and perhaps even a Champions League title - seems within reach. Just not this year. Probably the next. Or the one after that.
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