Real Madrid superstar steps in to protect Barcelona sensation over private life – ‘Leave him alone’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has spoken out in support of Barcelona’s young prodigy Lamine Yamal, urging the media to give the 18-year-old space and respect.

On the program Universo Valdano, which airs Sunday, Mbappe reflected on the pressures faced by young talents, drawing on his own early experiences.

Mbappe, who debuted for Monaco at just 16 and was instantly under the intense scrutiny of the French media, empathises with Yamal’s situation.

What did Mbappe say?

Speaking about the Barcelona winger, he said, “I think you can see that he has a passion for football, and it’s the only thing he doesn’t have to lose.

“The rest is his life, and people talk a lot about his personal life, his things. I think people have to leave him alone.

“They have to accept that in football, he is a great player, but in life, he is an 18-year-old boy.

Mbappe offered a helping hand to Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

“At 18 years old, everyone makes mistakes. There are things they do well, and they do badly. In the end, he will have his life experience, and he will know what is good for him, what is bad.”

The Real Madrid forward reminded that ultimately, what Yamal does on the pitch will matter.

“In the end, we only have to look at what he does on the pitch. The rest is not important if it is not serious.”

Mbappe’s remarks highlight not only the talent of Yamal but also the importance of allowing young players to develop without undue pressure.

He continued to praise the Barcelona star, saying, “He is a player who has a great talent and I hope that he will have it if he walks as he wants, and I wish him the best of luck.”

By sharing his perspective, Mbappe has shown genuine empathy for Yamal, recognising the challenges of growing up in the spotlight.