Mbappe: Passion Prevents Football from Causing Disgust

PARIS: French national team captain Kylian Mbappe has voiced his views on mental health, noting that open dialogue on the subject remains a challenge in elite sports.

Mbappe has cemented his status as a prominent sports figure, highlighted by his performances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which he won with France, and the 2022 tournament, where his team lost to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final.

Reflecting on a difficult 2024/25 season at the club level, Mbappe acknowledged the transient nature of success.

In a Wednesday interview, Mbappe responded to a question about cyclist Tadej Pogacar, a four-time Tour de France champion, who has spoken about experiencing distress during competitions. Mbappe stated that mental health struggles are universal, yet remain a taboo subject in elite sports.

“The challenge is that everyone grapples with it. You’re discouraged from showing vulnerability,” Mbappe explained.

“If he had been open about it initially, he would have faced severe criticism. However, victory often grants immunity. If you underperform and cite fatigue, it’s attributed to poor play, regardless of your prior condition.”

The Real Madrid star admits to holding himself to high standards, even more critically than external observers, and accepts criticism as he has already analyzed his performance.

He clarified that while he can discuss emotions privately or after victories, doing so after a loss is often met with disapproval.

“I’ve never embraced defeat, so I welcome feedback. I am my own harshest critic, which gives me peace,” he stated.

“I can express these feelings at home, or when appropriate. If I win the World Cup, and you ask me about it later, I will share. But after a loss? It’s unacceptable to others.”

He further commented that his deep love for football is the only thing preventing the sport from causing him disgust.

“Frankly, without this passion, football would have become unbearable long ago,” Mbappe concluded.