Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has responded to comparisons with Barcelona winger Raphinha and Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé, pointing to his goal-scoring record while acknowledging areas where he still needs to improve.
Mbappe made the comments ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League encounter with Inter, where he was asked about criticism of his defensive work and suggestions that he should press opponents more like Raphinha and Dembélé.
The France international responded by highlighting his superior scoring numbers.
“If I wanted to answer stupidly, I would tell you that I score more goals than the players you mentioned, and therefore they need to score more to be like me,” Mbappe said.
However, Mbappe quickly took a more measured approach, admitting that there are aspects of his game that require further development.
“But I am intelligent, so I will tell you that I need to improve. However, I don’t like comparisons, because I do many things that others don’t do,” he added.
Mbappe Rejects Player Comparisons
The Real Madrid star stressed that footballers have different strengths, roles and responsibilities, making direct comparisons difficult.
“We all need to improve, and this is natural for any player. Everyone is different, and we must do things intelligently. I don’t like comparisons, as it is an endless debate,” he said.
Mbappe also addressed his partnership with Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Júnior amid ongoing discussions about how effectively the two forwards complement each other.
He insisted that both players remain focused on the same objective despite external criticism and opinions.
“We have the same goal, which is to win titles. We can’t control people’s opinions, and we are always trying to improve,” he said.
Mbappe Praises Mourinho’s Winning Mentality
Mbappe also spoke positively about working under Real Madrid manager José Mourinho, praising the Portuguese coach’s ability to motivate players and establish a winning culture.
“Mourinho is someone who knows how to win, and how to transmit this mentality to those around him,” Mbappe said.
“He gives motivation to the entire club and to his group, and the most important thing is winning matches.”
The French forward was also questioned about his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or and whether he considers himself the best player in the world.
The 27-year-old said he continues to believe he belongs among the best, while recognising that the final decision is determined by the journalists who vote for the prestigious award.
“I always feel that way, but this is very personal. Everyone has their own opinion, some will say yes and others will say no,” he said.
Mbappe Wants Goals and Trophies
Mbappe rejected the suggestion that a striker must choose between scoring a high number of goals and winning major trophies.
His comments followed Mourinho’s claim that he would rather see his striker score 40 goals and win titles than score 60 goals without collecting silverware.
“Of course I want to win titles, but it isn’t a choice between the two. You have to do both: score goals and win titles,” Mbappe said.
Mbappe will now focus on Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Inter as he continues his pursuit of the European title that remains absent from his collection of major honours.
