Kylian Mbappe, the Real Madrid forward and France captain, shared his leadership philosophy in a recent TV feature, highlighting models he respects both on and off the pitch.
\nIn a Telefoot episode aired on TF1, Mbappe discussed his evolving role in the France squad and how he draws inspiration from teammates rather than just the captain's armband.
\nHe praised Sergio Ramos, his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, as a true leadership example, and he also highlighted Hugo Lloris as a unifier who brought players together.
\nMbappe said: \"Leadership is about unity and enthusiasm. It is a privilege to have this responsibility within a group that has grown a lot in recent years, and things go well when I share advice with my teammates.\"
\nWhen asked about Lionel Messi, Mbappe did not name the Argentine superstar, instead emphasizing Ramos and Marquinhos's leadership. He added that Ramos was a captain in spirit, both in daily life and in the locker room, even if he wasn’t the official Paris Saint-Germain captain.
\nHe described his own leadership philosophy: \"The coach's wishes and my own desire give every player space to express themselves. We communicate openly, and everyone has their own time to speak.\"
\nFrom Paris to Madrid: The Leadership Comes With Pressure
\nMbappe recalled a famous line he delivered before France's comeback against Croatia, explaining that some speeches are planned while others are spontaneous and a coach can share some details before it happens.
\nHe also acknowledged recurring injuries, noting a thigh issue from 2019 and subsequent muscle strains that have affected him during Euro 2020, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2023-24 season, leading Real Madrid to manage his minutes carefully.
\nDespite the risk of injuries, Mbappe remains focused on becoming a football legend, with his goal and assist totals rising and a path toward the Ballon d'Or, while his leadership helps his teams stay united in pursuit of major titles.
\nRoad to Glory and a Golden Future
\nIn a broader arc, Mbappe has continued to score for both club and country—reaching his 14th consecutive goal for his team and marking 53 international goals for France. He now eyes becoming the French all-time top scorer, closing the gap on Olivier Giroud to within a few strikes.
\nSince moving to Real Madrid in 2024, Mbappe has quickly become a driving force, fitting in with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, and delivering 44 goals in the previous season en route to the European Golden Shoe. His performances in classic clashes and European ties have underscored his influence on Madrid's project, led by Florentino Perez, as the club pursues a new golden generation.
\nWith this level of form, Mbappe appears poised to write a fresh chapter in Real Madrid's history and to be among the leading contenders for the Ballon d'Or in the years ahead.
\nPunchline time: If leadership were a haircut, Mbappe would have the cleanest fade in La Liga. Also, if strategies were snacks, he would pass around the locker room like a bag of chips—everyone wants a bite, but nobody wants to share the last one. Finally, if pressure were measured in goals, he’d have a hat-trick of relief—two on the scoreboard and one on the coach's face when he overplays the media’s questions.
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