Kylian Mbappé, the young French phenom and global soccer superstar, has candidly revealed that a crushing ‘rock bottom’ moment earlier this season was the catalyst for his resurgent form with Real Madrid. The 24-year-old striker, who joined Los Blancos in a blockbuster transfer in 2022, admitted that missed penalties in high-stakes matches left him at one of the lowest points of his career.
“I can do a lot more,” Mbappé confessed in an exclusive interview with Real Madrid TV. “I know that I have a lot more in my legs. In the last few games I’ve played better. The game in Bilbao was good for me. I hit rock bottom; I missed a penalty. It was the moment to realize that I have to give my all for this shirt and play with more personality.”
The missed spot-kicks came in quick succession – first against Liverpool in the Champions League, then a costly miss in a 2-1 LaLiga defeat to Athletic Bilbao. For a player of Mbappé’s caliber, known for his ruthless finishing, it marked a stunning fall from grace. But rather than succumbing to the immense pressure, the forward used it as fuel to reignite his performances.
Mbappé’s Resurgence Propels Real Madrid
Since that jolt of humble pie, Mbappé has been in sensational goal-scoring form. He’s netted 6 times in his last 4 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions, spearheading their charge on multiple fronts. His 14th goal of the season came in a convincing 4-2 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, sending a resounding message that both he and Real Madrid are hitting their stride at a crucial juncture.
“I think we’ve gotten to know each other better, I came into the team and that changes a lot of things, but now, as [coach Carlo Ancelotti] has said, my adaptation has finished and I feel good. We can see on the pitch that I understand my teammates better, and the whole team is playing better.”
Kylian Mbappé on his improved form and connection with Real Madrid teammates
Ancelotti echoed his star player’s sentiments, hailing the squad’s revitalized form while cautioning that there remains room for defensive improvements. “We’ve gone back to doing things well,” the Italian manager assessed. “It’s been demanding for the squad, but little by little, the team — and Mbappé too — have got back to doing things well. We’re excited about 2025.”
Key Takeaways from Mbappé’s Resurgence:
- Mbappé hit ‘rock bottom’ after missed penalties vs Liverpool & Athletic Bilbao
- Used that humbling experience as motivation to elevate his game
- Now has 6 goals in last 4 games, powering Real Madrid’s success
- Ancelotti praises squad & Mbappé’s improved form as 2025 looms
As Real Madrid now enters the definitive stages of their campaign, just one point off the top of the LaLiga table and still battling in Champions League, Mbappé’s timely return to top gear could prove the X-factor. By his own admission, there are more prolific heights he can reach – a tantalizing prospect for Madrid fans and an ominous warning for defenders tasked with containing him.
If a humbled Kylian Mbappé, reborn from ‘rock bottom’, can consistently conjure the magic his talent promises, Real Madrid may be on course to reignite their dynastic run under Ancelotti. The symbiosis between this generational superstar and one of the world’s most iconic clubs could soon be restored to its awe-inspiring best – and not a moment too soon.
