The Real Madrid legends who inspired Kylian Mbappé

Kylian Mbappé has always dreamed of wearing the Real Madrid shirt. This dream started way before the day he stepped on the ground donning the iconic white.

At a very young age growing up in France, it was Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo who gifted him with this dream. Real Madrid seemed magical to him.

Zidane: The First Idol

Zinedine Zidane was Mbappé first soccer idol. Such made a deep impact, being another Frenchman in Madrid. Zinedine Zidane was Mbappé first football idol.

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He became a fan in the early 2000s, when Zidane was signed to the Galácticos. Global-studded teams fanfare Mbappé passion towards the Spanish giants.

The Galáctico Era Influence

Zidanes, Figos, Nazario Ronaldos, and Beckham have created a legacy that shall linger. Their style and attitude made Madrid special to the young fans.

Mbappé was mesmerized by the power and glamour of the club. He said Real Madrid felt like the best club in the world, unrivaled by any other.

Cristiano Influence

Later on, Cristiano Ronaldo became Mbappé second football idol. His arrival at Madrid only cemented Mbappé bond with the club.

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Mbappé tracked Cristiano every game in the famous white colors. Even those who were not Madrid fans, he said, could not take their eyes away.

More than a club

For Mbappé, Real Madrid was more than a club. It was a symbol of excellence, passion, and legacy.

It was first a ‘dream’, then a ‘goal’, and eventually now a ‘reality’. For him, joining Madrid felt like a return to a homecoming.

Setting foot in Madrid

At age 13 Mbappé stepped for the first time into Valdebebas, Real Madrid training ground. This was a week of trials.

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He could not speak Spanish, so Zidane was the only person he could communicate with. That, he recounts, was one of the moments defining his path.

The family decision

Back then, Madrid wanted him to sign, but he didn’t remain. His family thought he was too small and young to make such a big step.

Mbappé would later say staying back in France with his loved ones was the right thing to do. It allowed him time to grow on and off the pitch.

Ascendancy through Monaco

Instead of Madrid, his career would really blossom through the AS Monaco academy. He made his professional debut at just 16, dazzling fans with perfect pace and flair.

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There was no ignoring his talents, and then the world started watching; his heart, however, remained with Madrid.

Near Calls and Hold-ups

In 2022, Mbappé was a breath away from acquiring a Real Madrid ticket. The connection remained, however, when the move did not happen.

The leap, finally, occurred in 2024, fulfilling a dream that had been many years in the making. He felt it was the right time.

Easy Transition to Madrid

There were questions about how Mbappé would integrate in such a renowned club. The transition, however, went smoother than many had expected.

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Almost immediately, he built a strong bond with Vinícius Jr.. Their chemistry on and off the pitch silenced the early skeptics.

Strong Team Culture

Mbappé praised the welcoming atmosphere in the locker room. French teammates and others helped him feel at home.

He mentioned how the team supported him. He had confidence with the whole team, which took the pressure off him.

Ancelotti Guidance

One of the most important persons in early success for Mbappé was Carlo Ancelotti. He gave the perfect combination of discipline and caring.

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Mbappé described Ancelotti as being a mix between a mentor, friend, and leader. The French star found freedom and structure under him.