Kylian Mbappe ‘expects’ criticism at Real Madrid – ‘I’m no exception’

Madrid—Kylian Mbappe says he arrived at Real Madrid ready for scrutiny and has no intention of asking for special treatment. In a frank interview with French broadcaster Telefoot, carried by Diario AS, the forward underlined that being questioned “is part of the job” at the Bernabeu.

“Real Madrid is like a religion for people in Spain; they’re very passionate, and there’s a lot of talk and speculation, sometimes justified, sometimes not,” Mbappe said. “You have to know how to deal with criticism because everyone at Real Madrid has been criticised—Ronaldo, Di Stefano… so I don’t see why I should be an exception. You simply have to stay calm, concentrate on what you have to do, and tell yourself how you can improve your performance on the pitch.”

The 25-year-old has produced 38 goals and six assists in 35 competitive matches this season, numbers that make him the club’s most consistent contributor outside of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Yet his recent knee complaint forced him to miss Spain’s November internationals, and Madrid’s attack clicked so effectively in his absence—Vinicius Junior hit peak form while Brahim Diaz slotted in alongside the Brazilian—that debate has flared over how Mbappe fits into the evolving front line.

Mbappe rejected suggestions he is preserving himself for next summer’s World Cup. “In Spain they’re a little worried about that, that I won’t play… and that I’ll go straight to the World Cup,” he noted. “The best way to prepare is to win everything first with Real Madrid.”

With Mbappe now back in training, attention turns to how interim first-team coach Alvaro Arbeloa will reintegrate a player accustomed to being the focal point. Diaz’s recent partnership with Vinicius has added tactical balance in front of a four-man midfield, leaving Mbappe to prove he can elevate rather than complicate the side’s chemistry.

For the French star, the equation is simple: perform, accept the noise, and keep chasing silverware. “You simply have to stay calm,” he repeated. In Madrid, calm is a rare currency—and performances will determine whether the criticism fades or intensifies.