Kylian Mbappé delivered a stunning hat-trick in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Valladolid on Saturday, marking a definitive return to top form.
The French forward, who faced criticism earlier this season, has silenced doubters with a series of electrifying performances that echo his early days at Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain.
The 25-year-old has scored eight goals in just five matches over the past 13 days, proving instrumental in Real Madrid’s resurgence despite their inconsistent form.
With 15 goals in La Liga, Mbappé trails only Robert Lewandowski in the race for the league’s top scorer, a feat that underscores his growing importance within the team.
“It was time to bang my fist on the table”
Mbappé attributed his resurgence to a shift in mindset, admitting he struggled to adapt to the demands of Real Madrid earlier in the season.
Speaking at a press conference last week, he said:
“The problem was mental. I was physically good, I felt good with the team, but it was time to bang my fist on the table and say: ‘Now I have to change this situation and do more.
I didn’t come here to play badly. And that has changed.
But you have to keep going, because playing well for a month is good, but at Real, you always have to play well.
The forward acknowledged that overthinking had hindered his performances.
I was obsessed with adapting to the team—how to move, how to take up space without clashing with Vini or Rodrygo.
When you think too much, you don’t play well.
I stopped thinking, and now it’s much better,” he explained.
Hat-trick highlights transformation
Mbappé’s performance against Valladolid showcased his renewed confidence.
His first two goals demonstrated his signature move of cutting in from the left before curling the ball into the far corner.
He completed the hat-trick with a composed penalty, solidifying Real Madrid’s dominance.
Beyond his goals, Mbappé’s involvement in Real Madrid’s attacking play has noticeably improved.
He seamlessly connected with Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, timing his runs to perfection and providing a consistent threat in the final third.
“My adaptation period is over”
Mbappé also reflected on the challenges of integrating into a team with Real Madrid’s pedigree.
“I wasn’t shy, but you have to arrive with humility at a team that just won everything.
Over time, I’ve found my place, and now I feel like I’m playing my best football,” he said.
With his eye on the Pichichi award for La Liga’s top scorer, Mbappé has sent a clear message: his adaptation period is over, and he’s ready to lead Real Madrid’s charge in the second half of the season.
