NBA superstar backs Mbappe for Real Madrid success

Cameron Smith

• 18 Nov 2024 16:30 GMT
• 3 min read

NBA superstar Luka Doncic has issued his support for Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe following his underwhelming start to life in Spain.

The Frenchman has eight goals and two assists in 16 appearances for Los Blancos, but he has only scored once in his last seven games and he was excluded from France’s senior squad during the November international break.

Doncic, 25, is one of the best players in the NBA and he spent six years in Real Madrid’s basketball team, having joined the club aged 13, before moving to the Dallas Mavericks in 2018.

READ MORE: Kylian Mbappe is UNHAPPY at Real Madrid

Following a 110-93 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, Doncic was asked about his former club by Managing Madrid.

“I follow Real Madrid every time,” Doncic admitted. “I grew up there. They taught me everything, so it’s a part of my life. You can call it a secondary home. I learned a lot of stuff there and, especially, they gave me a way to be here right now (in Dallas). I always appreciate that 100%.

“Obviously (their season) could be better,” he added. “But you know, when you get a guy like Mbappe, it takes some time to get used to it, but, we’ll figure it out.”

READ MORE: Mbappe and three Real Madrid teammates ‘UNDER SUSPICION’

Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid

After years of Florentino Perez’s courtship, Mbappe finally joined Real Madrid in July, with the France international arriving on a free transfer following the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain contract.

However, he has struggled in a centre forward role, with the 25-year-old forced to play through the middle due to the presence of Brazil international Vinicius Junior on the left flank.

Mbappe also endured a nightmare El Clasico debut in October; he missed two big chances and was flagged offside on eight occasions during Real Madrid’s humiliating 4-0 defeat.