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Kylian Mbappé gave an exclusive interview to Le Parisien, where he answered 20 questions put forward by his relatives, France national team teammates and staff members. The whole interview was full of humour, and Mbappé also opened up about plenty of personal topics, which is a rare move for him.
Emery: Is there any moment in your career that you want to experience all over again?
"Oh, there are quite a lot. Especially the defeats, because I might have changed the final result if I could go back. For example, I would rewrite the story of the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina, the UEFA Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, as well as the semi-final against Borussia Dortmund.
What about the European Championship match against Switzerland? No, I wouldn’t change that one. I wouldn’t waste a second chance on a Round of 16 game, since there was still a long road ahead. Besides, judging by the atmosphere back then, I don’t think we could have won anyway. That French side was arguably the most talented team we have had in a long time, just like the current squad. However, it was the worst team atmosphere I have ever experienced since I joined the national team. The whole squad felt it deeply. We players often talked about it too. The outside world might not have noticed, but that was the most divided period for France during my international career."
Ibrahima Konaté: You have featured in two World Cup finals, claiming victory in one and suffering defeat in the other. Which game crosses your mind more frequently?
"The losing one. I have no regrets about the victory. We won the game, it was fantastic, and we headed home with the trophy. But losing the World Cup final was truly agonising.
First of all, the World Cup only comes once every four years, and no one knows what state they will be in four years later. Take the current squad for example. Only ten or eleven players remain from the 2022 team, and just four are left from the 2018 side. That is the cruel reality of football. No matter how hard you try to hold on, many people will be left behind. The toughest part is that we gave it our all, yet ended up losing in the penalty shootout. I do not believe in luck, and a penalty shootout is not a random draw. It is a technical skill, but it is still the most heartbreaking way to lose a World Cup final."
Didier Deschamps: Have you ever thought about becoming a coach after hanging up your boots?
"I’m not sure… I have kept many options open for my post-playing career. I already run a well-established business. If I want to be a businessman, I can go down that path. I can also pursue greater ambitions if I wish.
A reporter then asked whether he had ever considered running for president, and Mbappé burst out laughing and cut in.
"No, don’t worry, that’s not what I mean. A lot of people have brought this up to me, but becoming the president of the republic is never on my agenda. I already get enough criticism as it is (laughs). I might choose to keep a low profile and run a foundation instead. One thing is certain: football will always hold a special place in my heart. Still, anyone who wants to be a coach must bid a proper farewell to their playing career first. A coach can no longer think like a player, no matter how legendary they were on the pitch.
The core duty of a coach is to pass on experience and knowledge.
I have seen many brilliant players turn into average coaches. It is not because they lack football knowledge, but because they never truly let go of their identity as players and thus failed to find the right approach. Of course, I plan to obtain my coaching badges to keep the possibility open. It does no harm. It is a new learning experience that will improve me both as a person and a professional. But I will only step into coaching after I fully move on from being a player."
Ethan Mbappé: I hope you can put on an excellent showing at the World Cup. Before that, I have a small question: do you plan to focus more on defending and pressing in games one day?
(Laughs) "Everyone knows how much he means to me. I only have one younger brother, unlike Girès who has two siblings including Ethan. I always hope Ethan can be proud of having me as his elder brother, both in football and daily life. It also comes with a price, because I do spoil him a little sometimes.
We talk about this a lot, as he does far more defensive work than I do. Still, I think it is good that people bring this topic up. I have always set high standards for myself, and I know I need to make progress in defence. It matters a lot to the team, and I am determined to make a change. I will start improving in this area from this World Cup, because winning the tournament is our goal. I am ready to get the job done, as I desperately want to lift this trophy. And it is true that he works tirelessly on defence.
Now he plays as a right winger. When I watch his games, I will ask him: 'Why don’t you cut into the penalty area?' He replies: ‘Bro, I’ve been running after the opposition full-back the whole way, I’m worn out (laughs).’
In my opinion, you should never feel tired when chasing goals — it should be the other way around. That said, I never dismiss any opinions, especially constructive criticism. If you do, it means you do not care about your performance as a player. I take all constructive feedback seriously and reflect on it thoroughly. Meanwhile, I also know how to filter comments, because the media and public tend to exaggerate everything related to me."
