Mbappe opens up on racism, PSG struggles, Luis Enrique, Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar | OneFootball

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has offered a rare and deeply personal insight into some of the toughest moments of his career, touching on racism, his final phase at Paris Saint-Germain, and the players he idolised while growing up.

One of the most striking parts of the interview revolves around the aftermath of his missed penalty during UEFA Euro 2020 against Switzerland, a moment that led to France’s elimination and triggered a wave of abuse.

Reflecting on that period, Mbappe did not hold back as he explained the emotional toll it took on him.

“When I missed my penalty against Switzerland, I started getting called a monkey. I went on vacation and was a walking dead man; I was in shock. 

“When I joined the national team, I immediately won the World Cup. I quickly became a national hero and told myself that France was doing just fine. 

“Then you have to deal with all that at once, and it’s tough. I asked for a meeting with Noël Le Graët and told him I wasn’t going to play anymore,” he confessed.

Praise for Luis Enrique

Mbappe also spoke about his complicated final year at PSG, particularly under Luis Enrique. 

While he praised the Spanish coach’s tactical understanding, he admitted that circumstances prevented him from fully enjoying that period.

“He’s a great coach. He truly speaks his mind. Unfortunately, I had him during my final year on my contract with PSG. And my last year was a roller coaster. 

“I couldn’t really enjoy my time with him. I was sidelined for the first month. When I decided to leave, I barely played in the league during my final four months. 

“I enjoyed it as a football fan and from a tactical standpoint. But in my situation at the time, I couldn’t truly enjoy it. He’s a coach who knows a lot,” he said.

Mbappe has nothing but praise for Luis Enrique. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Looking back at PSG’s Champions League triumph shortly after his departure, Mbappe stated,

“If I had left earlier and they had won, I think there would have been some resentment. 

“But when I left, I felt like I’d reached the end of the book: seven years, I’d done it all, it didn’t make sense to continue.”

Footballing idols

The conversation also turned to his footballing inspirations. 

Mbappe has often spoken about Cristiano Ronaldo, and once again placed him among the biggest influences of his career, alongside Zinedine Zidane.

“My first idol was Zidane, and Cristiano came later. As a forward, Cristiano showed every possible variation. Because he has different styles and knows how to do everything.”

Finally, Mbappe reserved special praise for Lionel Messi, recalling a moment from training that left a lasting impression during their time together in Paris.

“It’s crazy; he’s not like Neymar: he does everything right. 

“Let me tell you a story: we were doing finishing drills in Paris. Neymar and I were among the best. 

“We scored six or seven out of ten, but he took nine shots and scored nine identical goals, all perfectly placed, and I looked at the goalkeeper as if to say, ‘Can’t you see?’ It’s unbelievable,” he concluded.

Source: AS