Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has hit back at comparisons with Barcelona’s Raphinha and Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé, while admitting that he still has areas of his game to improve.
The France international made the comments ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League meeting with Inter, where he was questioned about criticism of his defensive work and whether he should press more like Dembélé and Raphinha.
Mbappé responded by pointing to his superior goal-scoring record but quickly acknowledged that every player has different strengths and responsibilities.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The 27-year-old insisted that comparisons between players were unnecessary because no two footballers have exactly the same qualities.
“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 added.
Mbappé Discusses Vinícius Partnership
Mbappé also addressed his partnership with Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Júnior amid continued debate over how effectively the two forwards complement each other.
The Frenchman said both players remain focused on helping Real Madrid win trophies, regardless of opinions outside the club.
“We have the same goal, which is to win titles. We can’t control people’s opinions, and we are always trying to improve,” Mbappé said.
Praise for Mourinho
Mbappé also praised new Real Madrid manager José Mourinho, highlighting the Portuguese coach’s ability to motivate players and develop a winning mentality.
“Mourinho is someone who knows how to win, and how to transmit this mentality to those around him,” he said.
“He gives motivation to the entire club and to his group, and the most important thing is winning matches.”
Mbappé Confident About Ballon d’Or Chances
Asked about his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or and whether he considers himself the best player in the world, Mbappé gave a confident response.
“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.
The forward acknowledged that the final decision would be made by the journalists who vote for the award.
Goals and Trophies
Mbappé also rejected the idea that scoring goals and winning trophies should be viewed as competing objectives.
His comments came after Mourinho suggested he would prefer a striker who scores 40 goals and wins titles to one who scores 60 without collecting trophies.
“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,” Mbappé said.
Mbappé 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 list of major honours.
