Real Madrid News
Kylian Mbappe: “For me, playing for Real Madrid is like a gift from God”
Kylian Mbappe is currently in his second season at Real Madrid, having arrived from PSG as a free agent in the summer of 2024.
While it has not entirely been a roaring success for him at the Santiago Bernabeu, in terms of trophies, the French megastar has continued to deliver on an individual level.
In his debut season, Mbappe won the European Golden Boot, having netted 44 goals across all competitions. This time around, he is on track to beat that tally, having already scored 39 times from only 38 matches.
Having sat down for an interview with GQ (h/t Mundo Deportivo) recently, Mbappe opened up on a variety of topics, including what it meant for him to play for Real Madrid.
“For me, playing for Real Madrid is like a gift from God. To have the opportunity to live my passion, to play in the best matches, to be at the best club in the world,” said the France captain.
“I am always very grateful to be on the pitch, to get up every morning and do what makes me happy,” he added.
Talking about the feeling of stepping out on the Santiago Bernabeu pitch, Mbappe remarked:
“I love being on the field, and feeling that I am stepping on the best ground in the world, in a country that, football-wise, is one of the best in the world.”
Looking back on his career so far, the 27-year-old French superstar highlighted how it was important for him to keep progessing, even though he is currently living his childhood dream.
“The hardest part isn’t getting there. It’s staying there and continuing to progress,” said Mbappe.
Continuing, he added: “A career never unfolds exactly as you imagine it. There are things you can control and others you can’t.
“Today I’m in the environment I dreamed of as a child, because I’ve always tried to give myself the means to get here, through hard work, discipline, and high standards.”
On how his game has evolved through the years, Mbappe stated: “Without a doubt, it has evolved. When you start out, you play with a lot of carelessness; you mainly think about expressing yourself, about making a difference.
“Over time, you understand that football isn’t just what you do with the ball. It’s also everything that surrounds it: the teamwork, consistency, responsibilities. Nowadays, talent isn’t enough. What makes the difference is consistency.”
The France captain also touched on his World Cup ambitions, saying: “A World Cup is a special moment. You win it together, through perseverance and mentality. We have a lot of ambition, but also the humility to know that nothing is guaranteed.”
Real Madrid News
Here is what Real Madrid forward Vinicius said after being sent off against Villarreal: ‘What madness’
Vinicius Jr.’s sending-off is the topic of discussion, stealing all the limelight in Madrid, and understandably so, given how the foul was absolutely unnecessary.
As a result of his moment of madness, the player now stands to miss El Clasico and will likely be unavailable for three games for Los Blancos.
The player, however, has no one to blame for his situation but himself. For starters, the offense was blatantly red-card worthy, and he only made matters worse with his reaction and outburst.
What Vinicius Jr. said
The series of events that led to the player’s red card was extraordinary, with him scoring a goal, celebrating wildly, even with the manager, Jose Mourinho, who ran halfway across the field.
The referee ruled out the goal and showed the player the red card after VAR intervention, and DAZN via The Touchline now bring to light what Vinicius said after that to aggravate the punishment.
“Red? Red? Why are you doing this?,” the player reportedly shouted at the referee immediately after being sent off.
Midfield star Jude Bellingham then joined the scene with a strong statement against the referee as well, as he said,
“This isn’t football anymore.”
Heading towards the dressing room, the player then hit out at the match officials’ decision with anger, “What madness!.”
“Sh*t league!,” he added.
An added punishment
There are two elements of Vinicius’ sending off mentioned in the referee’s report that will dictate the punishment he faces – the offense itself and the player’s reaction to the red card.
Ideally, his suspension with a red card for hair-pulling would only be for two games, but the player’s violent conduct and words after being sent off aggravate his crime.
As a result of the same, he could well face an extended sanction that may extend up to four games – something that comes as a massive blow for Real Madrid.
His participation in the Clasico is ruled out at this point, but Mourinho and Co. will hope the player’s reaction is forgiven and the punishment is lightened. If he indeed misses four games, he will be out against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Club and Valencia.
