Kylian Mbappe Opens Up About Mental Health in Elite Sports

Kylian Mbappe on mental health struggles

France captain Kylian Mbappe speaks candidly about the mental health challenges faced by top athletes and the pressure to maintain a strong public image.

“I want your level of football, but I don’t want your life...” 

Kylian Mbappe, the 26-year-old France captain and Real Madrid forward, has spoken candidly about the mental health challenges faced by top athletes. In a recent interview with L'Equipe Magazine, Mbappe revealed that many elite athletes struggle to discuss their mental health openly due to fear of judgment. This stigma surrounding vulnerability in sports creates a difficult environment for athletes to express themselves freely.

Mbappe highlighted the immense pressure athletes face, citing the example of cyclist Tadej Pogacar, who has spoken about moments of distress during competition. While success can shield athletes from criticism, admitting fatigue or weakness after a loss is often frowned upon. Mbappe emphasized that this dynamic contributes to the internal struggles athletes face, making it essential to acknowledge and address these challenges.

Mbappe's comments come amid reports of his own struggles with mental health. France national team manager Didier Deschamps has expressed concern over the growing mental stresses players face, citing the congested football calendar and increased exposure via social media. Mbappe's teammate, Ibrahima Konaté, has also spoken about the exceptional pressure Mbappe faces, stating, “I want your level of football, but I don’t want your life.” Deschamps and Konaté have both emphasized the importance of supporting players' mental well-being.

Despite the challenges, Mbappe credits his passion for football with keeping him motivated and preventing disillusionment with the sport. His love for the game serves as a driving force, enabling him to navigate the pressures and expectations that come with being a top athlete.

⭐️🇫🇷 Kylian Mbappé surpasses Thierry Henry as second top goalscorer ever in France history.

52 goals. 🎞️ pic.twitter.com/yXPwVQlO0y

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 9, 2025

“If he had said it at the start, he would have been torn apart. But when you win, you are almost untouchable. If you lose a match and say you’re tired, people say it’s because you played badly. Even if you felt that way before.”

Kylian Mbappe, the Real Madrid forward, has been on fire, scoring twice in two World Cup qualifying wins against Ukraine and Iceland. After becoming France's second-highest goal scorer, surpassing Thierry Henry's record with 51 goals, Mbappe expressed his hunger for more, saying, “Second-highest goal scorer in history? There's still work to do, no rest. There's another player we need to surpass,” referring to Olivier Giroud, who has 57 goals for France. Mbappe's relentless drive and high standards for himself are evident in his pursuit of breaking Giroud's record and helping France succeed in the World Cup.

“I’ve never wanted to accept failure, so I don’t mind if people reproach me for it. I’m very hard on myself, more than most people are, so I’m at peace with that,” he said.

Kylian Mbappe, the France captain and Real Madrid forward, has opened up about the challenges of balancing public expectations with private emotions. “At home, I can say it. Or when the context is right. If I win the World Cup, you come three days later and ask me, I can say it. But after a defeat? People won’t accept it,” Mbappe said, highlighting the fine line athletes must walk between expressing their true feelings and maintaining a public image.

Mbappe's comments underscore the immense pressure athletes face to present a strong, resilient image to the public, even when struggling with their emotions. This expectation can make it difficult for players to be honest about their mental health struggles, particularly after a defeat. Mbappe's candid remarks shed light on the complexities of being a high-profile athlete and the need for a more nuanced understanding of their emotional experiences.

He added: “Honestly, if I didn’t have this passion, football would have disgusted me a long time ago.”

Kylian Mbappe, the France captain and Real Madrid forward, has been open about the challenges he faces as a top athlete. In a recent interview, he highlighted that the toughest battles are often internal, stemming from the pressures and expectations that come with his position. Despite his success with Paris Saint-Germain and now Real Madrid, Mbappe emphasized the importance of maintaining a deep love for football to withstand its challenges.

Mbappe's career trajectory has been marked by incredible achievements, including:

• Early Success: Breaking into Monaco's first team at 16 and becoming the youngest player to score 100 goals in Ligue 1

• PSG Dominance: Winning multiple Ligue 1 titles, Coupe de France, and becoming the club's all-time leading scorer

• International Glory: Helping France win the 2018 FIFA World Cup and becoming the country's second-highest goal scorer

• New Chapter: Joining Real Madrid in a highly anticipated move, where he's been working to find his footing and overcome current challenges

Despite these accomplishments, Mbappe struggles with the pressures of fame, scrutiny, and expectations. He credits his passion for football with keeping him motivated and helping him navigate these internal battles.

“You don’t have the right to lose, to be wrong. But that’s also why people hold you in high esteem - because you accept it all, because you stay resilient and always want to win,” he said.