Kylian Mbappe Explains Why He Never Wants His Child to Play Football in Candid Interview

Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappe has said he would "never" advise his child to step foot into the world of football.

Widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation, Mbappe has achieved more than most in the game. At 27, he has notched 337 goals and 132 assists in 445 career matches.

He has also lifted seven Ligue 1 titles and a World Cup, not to mention a first European Golden Boot for his efforts across the 2024/25 season with Real Madrid.

But despite his well-documented rise, the former PSG forward made a number of candid admissions during an interview with French publication L'Equipe, as he opened up on mental health and the money side of the game.

Mbappe also admitted he would be "disgusted" by the world of football if it weren't for his passion for the game.

"I'm fatalistic about the world of football, but not about life," he said. "Life is magnificent. Football is what it is. I like to say that people who go to the stadium are lucky enough to come just to see a show and not know what goes on behind the scenes."

He added: "Honestly, if I didn't have this passion, the world of football would have disgusted me a long time ago."

As mentioned above, Mbappe touched on the subject of money and whether it can "destroy everything", with the publication mentioning Paul Pogba, who considered retiring due to an alleged organised armed extortion attempt against him.

"The more money you have, the more problems you have," said Mbappe.

"There are people who don't see that your life is changing; they want to maintain the image of when you were a child, when you were with them, but you're not the same anymore. You have responsibilities, commitments, a job, and accounts to keep.

"If some people walk the path with you, it's a beautiful story. It's good to grow up, to reach the top, with the same family and intimate foundation. But sometimes it doesn't work, and you have to know how to say it."

He added: "That doesn't mean the bond is broken, but this relationship isn't working. It's harder said than done, and it's a problem that a lot of athletes and personalities face."

Mbappe has over 300 career goals. Image credit: Getty

The former PSG and Monaco forward was also asked if he could imagine having kids who hate football.

Mbappe, who does not have any children, replied: "I hope so (he laughed), but I think, unfortunately, a ball will never be far away. In any case, I would never advise my child to step foot in the world of football."

A short time later, he added: "I only cry when I'm hurt. Losses, I assume, one way or another, you deserved them. No one deserves hurt."