Kylian Mbappe Finds Form After Hitting 'Rock Bottom' at Real Madrid

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has revealed that missing a penalty against Athletic Bilbao was his 'rock bottom' moment, but he's since bounced back with four goals in all competitions.

Kylian Mbappe has revealed that he hit “rock bottom” after missing a penalty against Athletic Bilbao earlier this month. The 26-year-old French forward admitted that he was struggling to adapt to his new environment at Real Madrid, and the penalty miss was a low point in his transition.

Mbappe's move to Real Madrid from Paris St Germain, where he was the club's all-time top scorer, has not been without its challenges. In addition to the usual teething problems, Mbappe has also had to contend with a hamstring injury and a thigh issue, which have disrupted his settling-in period. However, Mbappe has used his disappointment as fuel to drive his recent return to form.

Kylian Mbappe has bounced back from a difficult period, scoring four goals in all competitions since missing his second penalty in a week in a 2-1 loss at Bilbao. This resurgence includes the opening goal in Sunday's 4-2 LaLiga win over Sevilla.

Mbappe reflected on the turning point in his recent form, citing the Bilbao game as a moment of reckoning. “I took a lot of positives from the Bilbao game. I hit rock bottom,” he confessed in an interview with Real Madrid TV. He continued, “I missed a penalty and I realised at that moment I have to give my all for this shirt and play with personality.”

Kylian Mbappe's impressive form has yielded 10 goals in 16 league appearances, significantly contributing to Real Madrid's strong position in the table. As the calendar year comes to a close, Real Madrid sits second, just a single point behind leaders Atletico Madrid. Mbappe is eager to continue improving, stating, “I can score a lot more, I know I have a lot more to give. The last few games I've played better.”

Mbappe attributes his growing comfort and success on the pitch to a better understanding with his teammates. “I think we now know each other better. I've joined the team and that changed a lot of things. The settling-in period is over, as the coach says. I feel very comfortable in the team and I play better with the others on the pitch,” he explained. Real Madrid will look to carry their momentum into the new year as they travel to face Valencia in LaLiga on January 3.