Real Madrid Kylian Mbappé Opens Up On Mental Health Stigma In Top-Level Sports

‎France captain, Kylian Mbappé admitted that many top athletes remain hesitant to speak openly about mental health due to fear of judgment.

‎He explained that the constant pressure at the highest level often prevents players from showing vulnerability.

‎Despite these challenges, the 26-year-old forward said his deep love for football keeps him grounded.

‎In an interview with L’Équipe Magazine on Wednesday, he spoke candidly about balancing passion with the demands of elite competition.

‎“The complexity is that people struggle with it. You’re not supposed to show it,” Mbappe said, when asked about cyclists such as four-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar acknowledging moments of distress during competition.

‎“If he had said it at the start, he would have been torn apart. But when you win, you are almost untouchable. If you lose a match and say you’re tired, people say it’s because you played badly. Even if you felt that way before.”

‎The Real Madrid striker, who netted twice in two World Cup qualifying wins against Ukraine and Iceland, said he held himself to the most demanding standards.

‎“I’ve never wanted to accept failure, so I don’t mind if people reproach me for it. I’m very hard on myself, more than most people are, so I’m at peace with that,” he said.

‎Mbappe also highlighted the fine line between public expectation and private emotions.

‎“At home, I can say it. Or when the context is right. If I win the World Cup, you come three days later and ask me, and I can say it. But after a defeat? People won’t accept it,” he said.

‎He added, “Honestly, if I didn’t have this passion, football would have disgusted me a long time ago.”

‎The interview explored his career path through France, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Real Madrid, but Mbappé emphasized that the real battles are frequently internal.

‎“You don’t have the right to lose, to be wrong. But that’s also why people hold you in high esteem because you accept it all. After all, you stay resilient and always want to win,” he said.