TRIBUNKALTENG.COM – In the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappe opened up about his dream at Real Madrid, Barcelona, his best performances, toughest rivals, and his thoughts on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
For most footballers, joining Real Madrid is the ultimate achievement.
However, for Kylian Mbappe, arriving at Santiago Bernabeu is not the end goal but the beginning of a much bigger challenge.
The French star has spoken candidly about his experience with Real Madrid, his ambitions for the future, and the players who have influenced his career.
Despite reaching the peak of club football, Mbappe insists his focus remains on building an enduring legacy rather than simply collecting trophies.
Mbappe on His Dream at Real Madrid
Reflecting on life at Real Madrid, Mbappe admitted that the club has fulfilled every expectation he had before coming to Spain.
“Exactly as I imagined. For many people, except Barca fans, this is the best club in the world. It’s truly emotional.”
“I think it’s clear to everyone. This is the club that embodies greatness.”
“Barca has carved its name in football history in its own way, but Real Madrid is the world’s favourite club.”
“I’m happy and proud to play for this team.”
“I want to make history at Real Madrid because if you make history at the best club in the world, you earn your place in football history.”
Mbappe also revealed that personal ambition remains one of his biggest driving forces.
When asked what he still wants to achieve, Mbappe said it’s a question he constantly asks himself.
“The easy answer is to win every title, but there are people who have done more than just win everything.”
“In football, there’s always something left to do; if you don’t do it, someone else will take your place.”
Best Moments and Toughest Rivals
When asked about his favourite performance so far in a Real Madrid jersey, Mbappe pointed to one unforgettable European night at Santiago Bernabeu.
“When I scored a hat-trick against Manchester. It was full throttle.”
“That was in the Champions League, a knockout match, and I scored a hat-trick at the Bernabeu.”
Even after establishing himself among the world’s elite, the French forward continues to talk about improvement, challenges, and proving himself at the highest level.
In that context, Mbappe also mentioned one of the toughest opponents he has ever faced in his career.
“Three or four years ago, I enjoyed playing against Van Dijk because he was recognized as the best in his position. And it’s true, he’s an incredible player.”
“At the World Cup, I’d love to face Cristiano because I think it’ll be his last tournament, or maybe Neymar. One of the two.”
Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo
The Real Madrid star also addressed the never-ending debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Having shared the pitch with both legends, Mbappe offered a balanced perspective.
“I’ve played with Messi and I’ve played against Cris.”
“Cris was my idol, but I’ve also played with Leo, and after facing both, they’re actually very different. They’re not the same.”
“I think their rivalry is great.”
“If you say Ronaldo isn’t talented or Messi doesn’t work hard, it means you’ve never trained every day in your life.”
In Palangka Raya, a supporter named Fajar expressed full confidence in Kylian Mbappe and his teammates for the upcoming World Cup.
“For me, I support France,” he said when interviewed at his workplace on Saturday (May 30, 2026).
Fajar has supported the French national team for a long time, backing them in several previous football tournaments as well.
His support was clearly shown by the France jersey he wore while working.
“Yes, I always support France, that’s why I even have the jersey,” he said.
Especially now, France’s attack will be led by Kylian Mbappe, who is also Fajar’s idol.
“Because there’s the ‘ninja turtle’, Mbappe. He’s my idol,” Fajar added.
Mbappe, often compared to the fictional ninja turtle character, makes it easy for Fajar to remember him.
According to him, the Real Madrid striker is one of the best players in the world today.
“He’s a true megastar of this era,” he said.
Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe remains France’s most decisive player because he changes the opponent’s mindset even before the match starts.
FIFA’s tactical analysis of France in the 2022 World Cup highlighted how his high and wide positioning created an inevitable counter-attacking threat, forcing opponents into tactical compromises.
He scored eight goals in that tournament and won the Golden Boot, further cementing his status as France’s key attacking reference point.
However, at 28 years old, he carries the burden of a major tournament.
If he’s not in top form, the entire attacking structure loses part of its threat since France is built to maximize his explosiveness rather than replace it.
Ousmane Dembele
Dembele offers a different but equally valuable threat for France—less predictable yet highly effective.
His ability to attack from the wings, carry the ball quickly, and create space in tight areas gives Didier Deschamps another weapon to penetrate solid defenses.
In a team that sometimes relies heavily on Mbappe’s direct play, Dembele provides the element of unpredictability that can make France harder to read.
The concern, however, lies in his consistency.
Dembele often shines in flashes rather than over extended periods, and France doesn’t just need brilliance in moments but reliability during crucial phases.
He can change a match with a single brilliant sequence, but his overall impact will depend on whether he can maintain that influence consistently.
William Saliba
Saliba is crucial for France because they need defensive authority against top-level attacks in the final stages.
He reads danger early, controls space effectively, and has the physical profile to handle different types of opponents in knockout rounds.
In a tournament where small mistakes can be fatal, having a defender who stays composed under pressure is invaluable.
However, his position as a starter isn’t entirely secure, making him an intriguing but slightly vulnerable choice.
France has other centre-backs competing for minutes, and Deschamps has never hesitated to rotate when tactical situations demand it.
Saliba may be a great player, but he still needs to prove himself every time the team sheet is selected.
N’Golo Kante
Kante remains one of the most trusted names in French football because of what he offers beyond pure technique.
He provides strength in midfield, defensive cover, and a sense of security that allows creative players to operate freely.
Even after years away from Europe’s top five leagues, his experience and understanding of the game keep him relevant in tournament football.
His weaknesses are evident: age and rhythm. He’s no longer at his physical peak, and the lack of regular elite-level competition makes him a riskier option than before.
France will value his knowledge, but questions remain about whether he can still deliver his best performances in a major tournament.
Goalkeepers:
Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
Robin Risser (Lens)
Brice Samba (Rennes)
Defenders:
Lucas Digne (Aston Villa)
Malo Gusto (Chelsea)
Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain)
Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal)
Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Midfielders:
N’Golo Kante (Fenerbahce)
Manu Kone (AS Roma)
Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan)
Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards:
Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco)
Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)
Manager: Didier Deschamps
