Kylian Mbappe reveals reason behind Real Madrid career revival

Cameron Smith

• 23 Dec 2024 03:45 CST
• 3 min read

Kylian Mbappe has insisted that missing a penalty against Athletic Club was “good” for his development, despite hitting “rock bottom” after the game.

The France international has endured a tricky start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu and he saw his spot kick effort saved by Athletic Club goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala on 4 December, just one week after his high-profile penalty miss against Liverpool in the Champions League.

Mbappe has received heavy criticism for his failure to adapt to a new centre forward role since his move to Spain, but he appears to have turned a corner over the past month, scoring in four consecutive matches, and the Frenchman has now revealed the reason behind his upturn in form.

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“I can do a lot more," Mbappe told Real Madrid TV (via ESPN) after scoring during Los Blancos’ 4-2 win over Sevilla on Sunday.

“I know that I have a lot more in my legs. In the last few games I've played better. The game in Bilbao was good for me. I hit rock bottom; I missed a penalty. It was the moment to realise that I have to give my all for this shirt and play with more personality.

“I think we've gotten to know each other better,” Mbappe admitted when asked why he has improved in recent weeks.

“I came into the team and that changes a lot of things, but now, as [Carlo Ancelotti] has said, my adaptation has finished and I feel good. We can see on the pitch that I understand my team-mates better, and the whole team is playing better.”

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Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid

Mbappe’s goal against Sevilla means he has now scored 13 times in 23 appearances across all competitions since joining Real Madrid upon the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain contract this summer.

The Frenchman has also provided three assists, although he has been overshadowed by Vinicius Junior, with the Brazilian deployed in Mbappe’s preferred position on the left flank.