Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid’s star forward, has recently opened up about his early struggles with form following his high-profile free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to the Spanish giants in the summer of 2024. In a candid interview, the France captain reflected on the challenges he faced during the initial months of his time in Madrid, stating that a “mentality issue” was the main culprit behind his underwhelming performances. However, with a shift in mindset, Mbappe believes he has turned a corner and is now in the best form of his career.
Mbappe’s Struggles in Early Real Madrid Career
Mbappe, 26, was one of the most sought-after players in world football following his departure from PSG, having established himself as one of the best forwards of his generation. His arrival at Real Madrid was seen as a major coup for the club, with many expecting him to instantly become a key figure in their attack. However, the French international’s transition to Madrid was not as smooth as anticipated.
In the first few months of the 2024/2025 season, Mbappe found it difficult to find his rhythm. Despite his reputation, he was unable to replicate the explosive form that had made him a household name in Paris. The striker scored just three goals in his first 11 appearances for Madrid, a run of form that included a missed penalty in a crucial Champions League match against Liverpool and another miss against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, both of which contributed to Madrid’s losses in those games.
Mbappe admits that the penalty misses were particularly difficult for him to process. The pressure of representing such a prestigious club like Real Madrid weighed heavily on his shoulders, and the emotional toll of those missed chances left him feeling at “rock bottom.” It was during this challenging period that he realized the importance of not just physical preparation, but also of mental strength and focus in order to reach the level of performance he is known for.
A Change in Mindset: Mbappe Finds His Form
Despite the early setbacks, Mbappe’s fortunes began to change as he adopted a new approach to his game. Recognizing the role his mentality played in his struggles, the striker decided to make a conscious effort to shift his mindset. Reflecting on this period of self-realization, Mbappe explained that overthinking had been a significant factor in his lack of form.
“I believe it was a mentality issue, and that was a point I realized that I had to work harder,” Mbappe said. “I was thinking too much about how to do things. Whether to go into space, whether to go to Vini’s [Vinicius Jr.’s] area of the pitch, to Rodrygo’s area. When you overthink, you don’t focus on your game.”
This newfound understanding of his mental approach to the game has had a profound impact on Mbappe’s performances. By simplifying his thinking and allowing his natural talent to take over, the forward has regained his sharpness and confidence. Since that difficult defeat to Bilbao on December 4, Mbappe has gone on to score eight goals in just 10 appearances across all competitions, marking a remarkable turnaround in his form.
“I was fine physically and with the group but I knew I had to do more, that was the time to change the situation,” Mbappe said. “I couldn’t do any worse, so when you hit rock bottom, you can only go up.”
This resurgence has not only helped Mbappe regain his place as one of the top performers for Real Madrid, but it has also lifted the morale of the team as they continue to chase their ambitions in both domestic and international competitions.
The Importance of Mental Strength in Football
Mbappe’s struggles and subsequent turnaround shed light on a crucial aspect of football that often goes unnoticed: the importance of mental strength. While physical fitness, technical skill, and tactical awareness are all vital components of a player’s game, mental fortitude is just as important, especially when it comes to playing for a club like Real Madrid, where expectations are sky-high.
For Mbappe, who has been under constant scrutiny due to his high-profile move to one of the biggest clubs in the world, his early struggles could have been seen as a major setback. However, his ability to confront and overcome these challenges has not only strengthened his resolve but has also allowed him to showcase his true potential. It serves as a reminder that even the most talented players must manage their mental approach in order to consistently perform at the highest level.
Mbappe’s admission that he was “thinking too much” and overanalyzing his play is something many players can relate to. In the modern game, where every move is analyzed by fans, pundits, and media alike, it is easy for players to become overwhelmed by the pressure. Overthinking can lead to a lack of confidence and hinder natural decision-making, which is often what separates the greats from the rest.
By letting go of these mental constraints and trusting his instincts, Mbappe has been able to focus on what he does best: scoring goals and creating chances for his team.
Real Madrid’s Faith in Mbappe
Despite his early struggles, Real Madrid’s faith in Mbappe has never wavered. The club, which has a history of attracting and nurturing the world’s best talent, understood that the French forward would need time to settle into his new surroundings. The presence of experienced players like Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, and the ever-present Karim Benzema has likely helped Mbappe adjust to life at Madrid, while manager Carlo Ancelotti has also shown patience and support during this transitional period.
Mbappe’s form is crucial to Real Madrid’s hopes of securing silverware this season. With the team fighting for the La Liga title and competing in the Champions League, the striker’s recent form is a welcome boost to a squad that is always under pressure to deliver. His relationship with teammates like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo has grown stronger as well, and the attacking trio is starting to find a groove together.
Ancelotti’s Comments on His Future at Madrid
While Mbappe’s resurgence has been a major talking point for Real Madrid this season, another piece of speculation surrounding the club is the future of manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach, who has guided Madrid to numerous successes during his tenure, was recently asked about his future with the club. Ancelotti, who is currently contracted to Madrid for the next few seasons, dismissed any rumors about leaving the club at the end of the season.
“I will never decide to leave Real Madrid,” Ancelotti said. “This day will come, but it won’t be me who decides. It could be tomorrow or in five years. The plan is to be here with Florentino [Perez] for another four years and say goodbye.”
Ancelotti’s statement was a clear indication that he intends to remain at the helm for the foreseeable future. His leadership has been a key factor in helping players like Mbappe settle into the club, and his experience is invaluable as Real Madrid continues to build for future success.
Looking Ahead: Mbappe’s Future at Real Madrid
With his form on the rise, Mbappe’s future at Real Madrid looks bright. His adaptability, determination to improve, and mental resilience suggest that he will continue to be a key figure in the team for years to come. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how he develops further under Ancelotti’s guidance and how he continues to forge strong partnerships with his teammates.
For now, Mbappe will be focused on continuing his fine run of form and helping Real Madrid achieve their goals. Whether it’s in La Liga or the Champions League, the French forward will be key to their chances of success, and with his confidence restored, there’s little doubt that he will continue to shine on the biggest stages.
