Real Madrid megastar aiming to lead national team to success – ‘I came with great desire’ | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe will take centre stage this week as France take on Ukraine and Iceland in their FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

After a bit of rough patch, Mbappe appears to have consolidated himself as a key leader in the French setup and is keen on leading the line for Les Bleus.

Speaking to the press ahead of the upcoming game against Ukraine, Mbappe talked about the new season while also discussing his role as the leader of the Frenchman.

What Mbappe said ahead of Ukraine game

First and foremost, Mbappe talked about his journey as the captain of the French national team.

“I’ve gained more experience. Three years have passed. I’ve matured as a leader. I understand some things better. I try to be a force and a unifier for the team. There are new leaders. We need to leave space for every teammate,” he said (h/t L’Equipe).

Mbappe is heading into this international break on the back of an excellent 2024/25 season with Real Madrid, where he emerged as the European Golden Boot winner.

Mbappe is ready to fire in all cylinders this season. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The Frenchman has netted three goals already in the new season and will be determined to continue that goalscoring momentum this week.

“I am very happy to start a new season. I came with great desire. It’s a wonderful year for the club, for my national team, and for me as well,” he said.

“We have everything we need to achieve great things; the season starts tomorrow. I try not to look too far ahead toward the end of the season,” he added.

On a lighter note, Mbappe was also asked about his favourite player in the Ukraine camp, to which the Real Madrid star said, “Andriy Lunin, but he’s not here.”

Commenting on the workload for players in the current calendar, Mbappe noted: “I don’t know if we are prepared to play 60 matches. I don’t recall ever seeing a player perform at their best for 60 matches. We need more rest.”

Following an impressive start to the season, French national team coach Didier Deschamps is pleased with Mbappe as well and recently heaped praise on the Real Madrid forward.

Deschamps even admitted that Mbappe is fresher than last year and is ready to frontline the Les Bleus attack.