Mbappe’s mother opens up about Real Madrid forward’s life after PSG move – “He was arrogant” | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe was the centerpiece of L’Equipe’s magazine this week, with the French publication dedicating a special issue to his career and personal life. He even did an interview, where he talked about his Ballon d’Or ambitions, among other things.

Another individual who spoke at length was his mother and agent, Fayza Lamari, who reflected on the journey that has taken her son from Bondy to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Lamari talked about many facets of Mbappe’s career so far, including the time when he finally left PSG in favour of a move to Real Madrid, as well as his connection with Cristiano Ronaldo, among other things.

On Mbappe joining Madrid

Lamari recalled (h/t Diario AS) the moment Mbappe left PSG for Real Madrid in the summer of 2024.

“They told him PSG was closer to winning the Champions League, and he replied with childlike eyes: ‘Yes, I know, but it doesn’t matter, I’m starting from scratch.’ That’s when I rediscovered the Kylian I dreamed of in his room,” she said.

She admitted that being the parent of a global superstar can be overwhelming. “When the fans cheer him or boo him, that’s when you lose your son. He belongs to everyone, except you. At that level, there’s no life outside football.”

Cristiano, Zidane and childhood idols

Mbappe’s fascination with Real Madrid dates back to his childhood. Lamari revealed: “It started with Zidane when he was four. Then Cristiano Ronaldo – for him, he was Portuguese. He’d go watch Portugal matches and support Ronaldo. He said: ‘I’m Portuguese.’”

Mbappe is a huge admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

She recalled her son’s excitement when meeting Zidane as a teenager. “At 14, he told me: ‘Mom, he touched my jacket. I won’t wash it again‘.”

Lamari acknowledged the fears that come with her son’s fame. “I don’t like the word ‘icon.’ It scares me. People talk about fame but not the expectations and consequences. I’m more proud of the man he’s become than the player.”

She also admitted to moments of worry over arrogance. “Of course there were times when he was arrogant. But as a mother, you bring him back to earth. He has the right to be fed up sometimes. He’s human.”

Life under constant scrutiny

Lamari revealed the toll of watching her son’s rapid rise. From stress during his early Champions League nights with Monaco to media rumors in later years, she admitted: “Parents are victims of the system. Fame doesn’t isolate, judgment does.”

Finally, Lamari also talked about the rape allegations in Sweden, adding that she always knew the Frenchman was innocent.

“That was the hardest moment for me. He cried, and I told him: ‘We’re going to fight.’ You realize then how fragile it all is. If Kylian had done anything wrong in Sweden, I would have taken him to the police myself,” she concluded.

For now, Mbappe has firmly established himself at Real Madrid, but Lamari’s words underline the pressures behind the scenes and that the road wasn’t always easy and the role family has played in guiding him through.