French-Cameroonian star Kylian Mbappé opens up on PSG exit, modern football and life beyond the pitch

Kylian Mbappé has spoken candidly about his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, his early experiences at Real Madrid, and his concerns over the direction of modern football in a wide-ranging interview released on Wednesday.

The France captain, who has enjoyed a strong start to the new season with both club and country, addressed long-standing tensions with PSG, reflected on the Champions League triumph his former club secured after his exit, and shared his thoughts on the pressures of a sport he says he would never recommend to his own children.

A turbulent PSG farewell

Mbappé left PSG in the summer of 2024 after a bitter standoff with the club’s hierarchy, a dispute fuelled by unpaid wages and bonuses.

Speaking to L’Équipe Magazine, the forward insisted his actions were justified.

“I was within my rights to claim what was owed to me. I never wanted to damage PSG,” he explained.

Despite the acrimony surrounding his exit, Mbappé struck a conciliatory tone, admitting he felt “very happy” when PSG finally lifted the Champions League – a trophy that eluded him during his time in Paris.

“That’s football” – Champions League irony

Asked if PSG’s triumph so soon after his departure was a personal frustration, Mbappé dismissed the idea of resentment.

“You might say it’s unlucky for me, but that’s football,” he said. “We once lost to Dortmund after forty shots and eight crosses. Sometimes it comes down to fine margins.”

Mbappé argued PSG had been equipped for success, citing Luis Enrique’s influence and the quality of their transfer dealings.

At the same time, he pointed to Real Madrid’s slip in La Liga against Barcelona as a reminder of football’s unpredictability.

Shifting views on the game’s demands

The 26-year-old striker also addressed one of football’s most contentious debates: the relentless match calendar. Having previously resisted calls for fewer fixtures, he now advocates longer recovery periods for players.

“The game has become so demanding that rest is no longer a luxury, it’s essential,” he admitted, a marked shift from his earlier position.

Candid on football’s darker side

Mbappé did not shy away from his frustrations with the industry’s excesses. “The more money there is, the more problems it creates,” he remarked. “If I didn’t have this passion, football would have disgusted me a long time ago.”

In one of his most striking admissions, he confessed: “I would never advise my child to enter the world of football.” It was a stark reflection of the pressures and scrutiny he has endured since breaking onto the scene as a teenager.

A continued drive with France

Yet, while Mbappé may be disillusioned with certain aspects of the professional game, his commitment to the French national team remains unwavering.

His goal against Iceland, which sealed a 2-1 win at the Parc des Princes, was his 52nd for Les Bleus – moving him beyond Thierry Henry in the all-time scoring charts and leaving only Olivier Giroud ahead.

“Overtaking Titi is an honour; he’s a living legend,” Mbappé said. “But there’s still one man to catch, so I won’t be celebrating too much just yet.”

Looking ahead

The French-Cameroonian striker also touched on the Ballon d’Or race, refusing to back either close friend Ousmane Dembélé or Achraf Hakimi, and acknowledged the debate surrounding Didier Deschamps’ eventual successor as France manager.

With his trademark mixture of honesty and competitive edge, Mbappé painted the picture of a man deeply committed to his craft, yet increasingly wary of the environment around it.

For now, though, his goals – both literal and metaphorical – continue to shape the future of French football.