Kylian Mbappe reveals who he finds easier to play with at Real Madrid | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe is into his third season as a Real Madrid player, and it’s safe to say that he’s loving life in the Spanish capital. He’s yet to help Los Blancos win a major trophy since joining from Paris Saint-Germain, although he is determined as ever to end that barren streak during the 2026-27 campaign.

This week, Mbappe spoke on a variety of topics during an extended interview with Diario AS which included the recent Ceuta t-shirt controversy. He started by reflecting on his initial move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, while he also revealed why he’s more comfortable in Spain compared to his native France.

“I was waiting for the best club in the world, to receive a lot of enthusiasm from Real Madrid around the world. When I arrived here, I already had a status, but when you are a Real Madrid player you go to another level, to a higher level. I think that if you want to belong to the history of football, you have to go through Real Madrid.

“Here, I have found more tranquillity. In France I have less peace of mind. I wanted to learn a new culture, to adapt quickly to the Spanish culture. I still have a little left, of course, but I think I’m getting better every day in Spain. I’ve never had a moment of not feeling happy here. Only at the beginning, when I didn’t have a home. When you don’t have any, you feel weird. You always want to get home, to be with your loved ones. As soon as I had my house, I was always happy in Madrid and in Spain.”

Mbappe was asked about whether his life as a Real Madrid player was everything that he imagined before eventually joining two years ago.

“Yes, 100%. Not 1% less than I expected. Playing at the Bernabeu every week is a privilege. To have so much support from the fans. In Spain I have found something I did not expect. I have received support from all over Spain. I really like living here. It was the first time I went outside my country, and it was an important moment in my life. I am very happy to have made this decision. Playing at the Bernabeu is always exciting because of its mythical status and history. Each match represents a new opportunity.”

Mourinho heaps praise on Florentino Perez, Jose Mourinho

Mbappe spoke on Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, revealing that the pair had been in regular contact for 10 years prior to his arrival at the Bernabeu.

“He’s the one who brought me here. At all times we kept in touch for ten years before my arrival. He always showed affection and understanding in the context of each decision made, both positive and negative for Real Madrid. He has always told me that one day I would play for Real Madrid and here I am and, moreover, very happy. That’s why I have to thank him for everything he has done and continues to do for me. He is the best president in the world.”

Mbappe was also asked about his four managers so far at Real Madrid: Carlo Ancelotti, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Jose Mourinho – and regarding the latter, he admitted that he’s been “different” compared to the others.

“All four are important figures in the game. It is always a privilege to be part of the journey of the four. I learned things from the four of them because they have a very different way of looking at football. They are winners in their career and you always learn, but it is true that with Mou it is something different. He’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever seen. He is a leader. I knew it before he arrived, but when you see him every day, you realise that he is a very special person and a legendary coach, who has marked his time and who will continue to do so with us.”

To end, Mbappe was asked about whether he feels he needs to be friends with his Real Madrid teammates in order to also culminate an on-field relationship. He was also specifically questioned on playing alongside fellow superstars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham.

“We have to be good, be united and work for a common good, which is success and glory. This is more of the new generation of fans, because with the networks you have the focus on everything. For not shaking hands, because you don’t smile… But it’s normal. We know that this is the case and we try to do our best so that things that are sometimes not true are not seen. The most important thing is Real Madrid.

“(Vinicius and Bellingham) are very different. On the pitch they do completely different things. There are aspects in the game where Jude is better, others with Vini or Güler, with Brahim, Diomande, Espí. Vini is going to score a lot of goals this season, he has a connection with the goal.”