France captain Kylian Mbappe has spoken out about the stigma surrounding mental health in professional football, admitting that many athletes remain reluctant to show vulnerability for fear of being judged.
The 26-year-old Real Madrid striker, who recently scored twice in World Cup qualifying wins over Ukraine and Iceland, shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with L’Equipe Magazine.
Fear of Judgment in Sport
Mbappe said that while conversations around mental health are growing, athletes still face criticism if they admit to struggling.
“The complexity is that people struggle with it. You’re not supposed to show it,” Mbappe explained. “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.”
He referenced other athletes like Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar, pointing out that success often shields players from backlash, but defeats make honesty difficult.
The Pressure of Perfection
Mbappe revealed that he holds himself to the highest standards, often harsher than critics.
“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.
The French star admitted that without his passion for football, the constant pressure might have driven him away from the game.
Balancing Public Expectations and Private Struggles
Discussing the fine line between public perception and private emotions, Mbappe highlighted how timing influences acceptance.
“If I win the World Cup, you come three days later and ask me, I can say it. But after a defeat? People won’t accept it,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Mbappe emphasized resilience as the reason fans hold top players in high esteem.
“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, because you stay resilient and always want to win.”
A Message Beyond Football
Mbappe’s candid comments add to the growing conversation around mental health in elite sports, reminding fans that behind the victories, even the best players battle pressures that are often unseen.
