In a surprising display of camaraderie that transcends club rivalries, Real Madrid's star forward Kylian Mbappe has voiced his support for Barcelona's young sensation, Lamine Yamal. The show of solidarity comes amidst increasing scrutiny of Yamal's personal life, with Mbappe urging fans and the media to allow the 18-year-old space to grow and focus on his performances on the pitch.
Yamal, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, has been under intense media attention, particularly regarding his lifestyle, including a high-profile birthday celebration and reported links with influencer Fati Vzquez. This off-field scrutiny has, according to some, overshadowed his accomplishments on the field. The timing of this increased attention is especially noteworthy, considering Yamal narrowly missed out on the 2025 Ballon d'Or, an award many predicted he might win after an outstanding season with Barcelona, including a treble and a European Championship triumph with Spain. The award ultimately went to Ousmane Dembele.
Speaking on the Spanish show "Universo Valdano", Mbappe emphasized the need to respect Yamal's privacy. "It's clear he has a lot of passion for football, and that's something he must never lose," Mbappe stated. "The rest is his personal life. We have to leave him alone". He further added, "In football, he's a great player, but in life, he's just an 18-year-old kid".
Mbappe, drawing from his own experiences as a young player who debuted for Monaco at just 16, empathized with the pressures faced by teenage stars under constant media attention. "At that age, everyone makes mistakes; you do things right, and you do things wrong," Mbappe said. He insisted that Yamal should be judged primarily on his performances on the field rather than his personal choices. "In the end, he'll learn through his own experiences and understand what's best for him. What matters is what he does on the pitch," he affirmed. "What happens off it isn't important unless it's serious," he added.
Mbappe acknowledged Yamal's exceptional talent and expressed confidence in his future. "He has great talent and will follow his own path. I wish him all the best," Mbappe stated. Despite missing recent training sessions due to a minor muscle issue, Yamal is expected to be fit for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26. This match will mark the first encounter between Mbappe and Yamal this season, with both players anticipated to be in top form, adding significant weight to the La Liga title race.
Mbappe's supportive words highlight the importance of protecting young players from undue pressure, allowing them the space to develop both as athletes and individuals. His message transcends the fierce rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, emphasizing empathy and understanding for a fellow player navigating the challenges of early fame. The full interview on "Universo Valdano" is set to air on October 12, promising further insights from Mbappe on the emerging talents shaping the future of European football.
