Mbappe: ‘I always feel I am the best player in the world’

Kylian Mbappe says he “always” feels like the best player in the world but accepts the Ballon d’Or debate will ultimately be decided by journalists, as Real Madrid prepare to face Inter in the Champions League.

The France forward was speaking at a news conference before the eagerly anticipated meeting, discussing his hopes of guiding Real Madrid to the trophy he has yet to win in his career, as well as his relationship with Vinicius Junior, his work under Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho and criticism of his defensive contribution.

This will be Mbappe’s third Champions League campaign with Real Madrid and he is determined to help the club challenge for European football’s biggest prize.

“We are very happy to be back playing a Champions League match,” Mbappe said. “We play with enthusiasm and determination, and the Santiago Bernabeu is an additional motivation.

“It will be a difficult match, but it is the Champions League, so we are very happy to play it.”

Mbappe and Vinicius Junior

Mbappe was asked about the level of understanding between himself and Vinicius Junior, amid debate over whether the two forwards have developed a strong partnership.

“I don’t know, that is the opinion of millions of people,” he said. “Real Madrid is the biggest club and I cannot control what is being said. We have the same objective, which is to win trophies. We cannot control people’s opinions, and we are always trying to improve.”

On working with Mourinho, Mbappe said he was focused on the wider development of the team rather than individual storylines.

“I look at the bigger picture to get the best version of the 11 players,” he said. “I know people like to focus on these things because that is what sells, but I think with a team mentality and about how we can improve.”

He added: “Mourinho is someone who knows how to win and how to pass that mentality on to those around him. He gives motivation to the whole club and to his group, and the most important thing is winning matches.”

Defensive criticism

Mbappe was also questioned about criticism of his defensive work and whether he and Vinicius Junior should press more, particularly when compared with players such as Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha.

He initially responded with a joke.

“If I wanted to answer stupidly, I would tell you that I score more goals than the two players you mentioned, so they have to score more to be like me,” he said.

“Each player has different qualities.”

Mbappe then offered a more serious assessment, saying he understood there was room for improvement.

“But I am intelligent, so I will answer that I have to improve,” he said. “However, I do not like comparisons because I do many things that others do not.”

He continued: “We all have to improve, and that is normal for any player. Everyone is different, and we have to do things intelligently. I do not like comparisons; it is a discussion that never ends. We all need to develop in this area, as well as when we have the ball. That is the nature of life in a team at the highest level.”

Ballon d’Or ambitions

Mbappe said playing for Real Madrid inevitably brings expectations of winning the Ballon d’Or.

“When you play for Real Madrid, people link you with this award,” he said. “Many people talk to me about the Ballon d’Or, which is positive. I made history this summer, but we will see. It is a good year to achieve it, and in the end people have to vote.”

Asked whether he considers himself the best player in the world, Mbappe replied: “I always feel that way, but it is very personal. Everyone has their opinion; some people will say yes and others will say no. It is a debate, and not everyone has to think like me.

“This year could be a good one to win the Ballon d’Or, but the journalists vote and they will choose.”

Mourinho has previously said he would rather see Mbappe score 40 goals and win trophies than score 60 without silverware. Mbappe rejected the idea that the two ambitions had to be separated.

“I would prefer fewer than that too, even 30 goals,” he said. “I would not say this is a discussion for people who do not play football, but it is certainly a ridiculous discussion.

“If I score 40 goals and we are competing for the league, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, should I stop scoring because if I score more we will not win? Of course I want to win trophies, but it is not a choice between the two. You have to do both: score goals and win trophies.”

Lessons from international football

Mbappe said France’s defeat by Spain in the World Cup had increased his motivation, although he insisted the experience was separate from his ambition to win the Champions League.

“They are two different things,” he said. “Of course, not winning the World Cup was a difficult moment. I think it was a positive experience for us in terms of creating a bond with the country and the energy around the national team.

“We have won the World Cup once, and we cannot win it every time, however much we want to. After every defeat, you always have greater motivation to win.”

The forward also spoke about his tactical development and the differing responsibilities he has with France and Real Madrid.

“I have two different positions with the national team and here,” he said. “I have to take a step forward. There I am the captain, and here I am not.”

He added that he wanted to improve his reading of matches, his understanding of when to attack and when to control the game, and his handling of emotion.

“I want to develop as a player, whether that is reading the match, knowing when to attack and when to control, or dealing with emotions,” Mbappe said. “I have had different experiences and viewpoints with many managers, and that has helped me a lot. There are many matches within one match.”

Mbappe was finally asked whether there was a link between Paris Saint-Germain winning two Champions League titles after his departure and his decision to leave the club.

“I cannot change that,” he said. “I cannot speak in general terms. It does not matter much to me. I do not know everything about football, but I know more than many people. I am calm.”

He concluded: “Sometimes things are not analysis, but simply things that sell, and talking about me sells a lot.”