Kylian Mbappé Knows He's Too Competitive

The soccer star opens up about the things he’d most like to change about himself and what he most values in a teammate. Directed by Barbara Anastacio for WSJ. Magazine.
In “The One,” WSJ. Magazine talks to tastemakers and creators about “the one” secret to their success-the one mentor they lean on in a crisis, the one habit they wish they could break, the one call that changed their lives forever. From actor Nicole Kidman to “The Daily Show” host Trevor Noah to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, iconic cultural figures open up to WSJ.
#Mbappe #Soccer #WSJ

[@bibibullets]

"You finish the game, you take your medal, and you see the cup but that's not for you. So you just wanna cry, be alone, talk to nobody". This is a perfect description of the sentiment behind the picture he shared on Instagram - Kylian with his golden boot, with the cup so close yet so far. He looked devastated. Garde la tête haute mon garcon, tu as de quoi être fier.

[@lili3356]

Son quotient émotionnelle est assez élevé, il sait à quelle moment il fallait pas trop montrer son joie.

[@sayantanmazumdar3]

And then Macron invades the pitch to constantly shower you with words of consolation.

[@ivyvegg8179]

I agree, after the match he looked so sad

[@pranjalrahman8921]

He echoes what Messi experienced in 2014. A devastating scene. Mbappe may already be a winner in 2018 but that does not in any way diminish his desire to be a winner again. He has this insatiable hunger and fiery passion to excel, more so in the national team. That is a good mark of an excellent player who will certainly shine. If he continues his performance at this pace, he may very well eclipse Klose's goal scoring record in the 2026 world cup. And moreover, he may become a two time winner if he and his team can perform at their very best. I am certain no current player (not retired) has won twice. The last person who comes to mind is Cafu from Brazil, one of the best defenders in the 1990s. Mbappe may become the first two time winner who is a striker in this millennium.

[@Lamine14112]

@Cristina Sousa Mbappe was absolutely not at fault. He just lost a very important game for his carrer, his life, for the competitor he is and Macron wasn't giving him enough space, and that was beyond the fact he likes him or not. He is not family nor a friend. He just got there because he can. That was litteraly harassment at one point. It was so embarassing to watch.

[@DjTrax78]

"Never stop dreaming it's something free" -Mbappe

[@taniamunalek8211]

I love the fact that many people started to appreciate him after the WC. It’s refreshing after all the hate he was getting over the past period. He always seemed to be a good guy to me, very smart too.

[@mdanasmusic]

I use to dislike him strongly but he sure has my respect after world cup final.

[@seetsamolapo5600]

He's petulant but he's the best in the world rn

[@marcobeltrami4093]

Still he has a pretty arrogant way of playing at psg. Ronaldo is his idol for a reasom

[@norvinzor]

Well thats on Europe, In here USA we see him as one of the GOATS

[@jobpriem6516]

@@marcobeltrami4093 why?

[@illegirl1792]

I've heard a lot of people say horrible things about him and watching interviews like this made me realize that he's none of those things. He is not just a person who talks and does nothing. He's confident and proves he's different and sticks to his lines on the pitch. I have no doubt that in a matter of years, he'll be the best in the world.

[@younesrs6656]

Hes already the best in the world

[@footballminds3706]

yea i used to dislike him cos he seemed arrogant, altho i realised he was just copying his idol ronaldo's goal celebrations lol. but yea he comes across really well in interviews, and even speaks english really well, which i'm sure he put effort in to learn

[@fifermcgee5971]

He's an exceptional player. Gentleman and naturally competitive.

[@maduzor1053]

Horrible things ?

[@nouezecetreihaidabbaa4335]

@@younesrs6656 in your dreams😂😂

[@fionaabraham7263]

People hate on successful black men who know their worth, are confident, and stay grounded. I’m glad Kylian is getting the respect he deserves

[@user.7337]

exactly!

[@playstationaccount4473]

People hate on successful people. Not just black. C Ronaldo gets a lot of hate. As does Putin. As does Tom Cruise. It's not about someones skin color. Most people are useless.

[@deswittmary-jane5528]

‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@mandlankosisikhosana5330]

Does everything has to do with race...

[@user.7337]

@@mandlankosisikhosana5330 yes because racism is sadly apart of human history and due to that, it has made it harder for black people to succeed because of the system set up for them to fail. so when they succeed, we must acknowledge their blackness.

[@TheDYNAMITE001]

The problem is with Messi fans who can't deal with the inevitable transition. Sure he needs to dial it down a notch but it really makes him better. Ronaldinho faded out for Messi, Kaka faded out for CR7.. it is what it is.

[@tom6069]

The problem is nobody will do what messi does, so let him do his magic while his legs still let him, what the fuk mbappe shows? Sprint, shoot goal, seen that type of player, how many messi have you seen? Maybe maradona and r9, who take the ball and go with it past the goal keeper, the football will die as a sport soon, there is nothing spectacular about it anymore and people will realise that, it has became just a business that sucks money from poor people, at least show them something, not 800 passes in your own side of field, 3 scratches in the genital area 2 phlegms on the grass, and 3 sprints in 90 minutes

[@TheDYNAMITE001]

@@tom6069 the interesting thing about this world is that nothing is really new, however the generation that watched Messi will die out as well and soon; just like if someone describes Pele to you now, skillful with the zero technology and Stony pitches they had back then what that guy did was incredible but you'll never see it as being as good as Messi who plays on synthetic grass. That's recency bias. Look at offside technology now, goal line technology.. a generation will soon arise that will never be convinced that Messi was better than their own current talent.

[@erikmorales17]

🤫🤫

[@Maameelle78]

Why does he need to dial it down.....let him be great and know he is great!

[@Nat-wu4kj]

Messi just won the world cup you rat!

[@Rob93WLR]

Im french and we known he just a football lover, he only live for football, he has never been in intra sports history, he never misses a match, always determined for his team he was the best striker and the best assist player last season with Messi and Neymar in the team. he's been really humble from the start. the media just want to make him an ego player or a selfish player but that's absolutely wrong. in which world are you a selfish player with the most assists pass in a championship? 🥱 It became a mix of Pele and Cristiano Ronaldo what a incredible player we are so lucky to have him in France. I'm a Messi fan but sometimes this community of fans can be very mean and verbally aggressive for nothing. They are just blinded by their fanaticism.

[@kkwan5208]

Robert, can't agree more!

[@Hshxhxbsjskzn]

Football fans are very immature, why can’t more than 1 football be great, u can compare but it’s not necessary to hate and put down other players

[@Rubiecat]

You're completely right, people get so obsessed over one single player they start thinking appreciation of other players is an attack on them... it's completely absurd. Anyway I can't wait to see everything Mbappé will accomplish !

[@lili3356]

Tout à fait d'accord avec vous, les médias sont capables de fabriquer des histoires.

[@twahtwah2479]

Well said

[@gwenwen5005]

He’s competitive, grounded and ambitious. Hats off to someone who’s so dedicated in what he does. Truly inspiring.

[@MetroDuroc]

There’s a sparkle in his eyes. He shoots for the moon (and comes close) but the world doesn’t weigh heavy on him at all. Very comfortable in his skin.

[@catchmeifyoucan1095]

☺️

[@Goldie0710]

You are not too competitive you just work for what you want. People are very good at making someone feel bad for when they do exactly the same thing. There’s nothing kylian is doing wrong.

[@zarrouguilucas2585]

He was not talking about sports, but other aspects of life. Life is not always a competition, and he came to understand it. It can sometimes ruin good moments in family to be overly competitive in situations you don't need to be.

[@AA-wm2ty]

He was talking about other things in life. It would be exhausting if everything was a competition.

[@snarkyrain]

I have no idea why they call him egotistic or arrogant. Been watching many of his interviews after the WC final and he always prioritizes the team over the individual. Obviously he's emphatic about celebrating his goals on the pitch but who wouldn't be? In fact it makes watching him play more dynamic and entertaining.

[@traceler]

He always tried to take away from others the penalty kick ( Even from players better than hi like Nyemar or Messi) He does not pass the ball many times and play to get the glory himself instead of the player in the best position. He looks with an ego greater than his skill... obviously he is strong athlete like many others African players with stamina and youth, but his skills are inferiors to Maradona, Rohanldino, Ronaldo (R9) and Pele by much.

[@mayamaisara8548]

@@traceler bro hes still young… wdy expect from him😢 … if someone were in his shoes they would do the same …ive seen some of their games he did not act arrgont by not passing the ball to the teammates.. he prolly does that sometimes i mean like who doesnt tho? Players ovc wanted to goal by themselve

[@omzy8700]

@@mayamaisara8548 people like him are on mbappe constantly analysing everything he does ,they don’t understand that footballers are human just like everyone else .

[@mayamaisara8548]

@@omzy8700 I KNOW RIGHT!! abt the penalthy thing i admit maybe mbappe is a bit greedy but hes young obv he wanted to prove that he can do it …but to be called selfish just bcs he doesnt pass the ball to his teamates and assiist his teammate is just ridiculous bro… have u seen other player?? They also did the same thing… ive watched a lot of his match he did not just play alone by himself does ppl expect him to past the ball to his teammate everytime its near to goal??he obv wanted to do goal by himself…even when ney, messi and others player when they were young they also went through the “arrogant selfish phase” bcs they already shined at a very young age…so why when mbappe suddenly become like that ppl take it seriously as if its never happened bfr?

[@mayamaisara8548]

@@omzy8700 i mean like after all mbappe is just a human like others ..to put all the blame on him is just not the right thing bro

[@abhishekrajput9434]

Mbappe is so matured, honest & Inspiring person.

[@AA-qb7ni]

Once Messi and Ronaldo retire, this guy will become one of the greats. He's already on his way.

[@sherock4761]

he is already better than ronaldo now lol

[@Javggoat]

@@sherock4761& pessi

[@lukebruce5234]

@@Javggoat yeah he is slightly better than a complete washed up 35 year old slow Messi but not even close to prime Messi

[@asnark7115]

Definitely possible.

[@jaman5047]

@@lukebruce5234 No he's still not better than a 35 year old Messi only thing he has over Messi is speed and pace nothing else. Mbappe can't lead a team or run a game he needs great playmakers to look good and to score.

[@aservant1284]

Mature and well raised!

[@JD-un6tk]

As a Real Madrid fan, I gotta say I really hated this guy earlier this year. But I have to admit, he's an amazing player, and he actually looks like a good person. Respect!

[@jackbarhillel1065]

Not only good, a true lion-heart. When I look at this guy, I think : there's still hope for mankind.

[@tadcraze5432]

same and after the final I respect him more

[@jorischamvoux1613]

You can't imagine how much pressure he had to stay in the French league. Even Macron, the french president, was involved in the negotiation and I suspect PSG has a unique tax arrangement for him.

[@Vantejkvls]

Madrid fans hate him when he was under sooo much pressure do you guys seriously think he want’s force to stay? I mean which president gets involved in stuff like this?

[@maestyasaes8368]

Why hating anybody? I'm for example not a fan of Ronaldo at all, but I'm not hating him, I don't know him, I just prefer to watch other players, but he's, I'm sure, a nice guy. So why hating somebody? And why somebody like Mbappe? He's really impressive

[@cameliadimova990]

He's so cute , and the fact that he answered Michael Jackson 💙.

[@Gistme2023]

True 😢❤

[@AnotherproblemOn]

2:30 "you wanna be alone" ; apparently macron didn't watch this video

[@ceciliazhu2391]

Love his little accent here cute haha

[@patiencemankayi8213]

Most people that they dont this talented young man is the fans of Messi and Neymen ,this boy is the best

[@nina_liu2584]

He is competitive, that’s a fact but I think that’s one of the reason why he’s who he is today. People always says that he has a big ego but this ego is definitely necessary in football, he wants to win every time, that’s not a bad thing. The collective spirit is there

[@mariaetternavn5549]

Love what he said about dreaming. It's free. I like his mindset.

[@kdmedia_agency]

awesome to hear him speak english

[@daniellem.gibson4658]

I love “that’s the life!” I should use this expression more often. Love that Mbappe admits to be overly competitive and that it’s not always a good thing. A mature attitude for a young, young guy.

[@Efyasika9885]

Did he say Michael Jackson?❤ Okay !! Kyky is now a national treasure and must be protected at all cost!

[@annanass7801]

It sounds so random when he says Michael Jackson. Almost as he didn't know what to answer ans just said the first name coming to his mind 😂

[@elliotwesterrr]

Im forever a fan now, until the end of times

[@HonorGuard117]

Im glad I came across this video because it gave me a positive perspective on Mbappe. He's extremely articulate and well spoken, this comes from his self awareness. He's an intelligent human being and I wish this video was more popular so people can get a true glimpse into who Mbappe is.

[@venessavuia]

He’s so sweet, smart, ambitious, and handsome. I really love this guy.

[@samtulip9029]

I like his brain and how he thinks and views things. He's the kind of person I'd want to talk to when I'm feeling sad or in trouble. He talks well so I'm sure he's also a good listener..

[@curtisgrant1078]

Mbappe knows he’s the best and shouldn’t have to feel bad

[@intimidadnetflix7280]

He is a professional and exemplary player. Kylian is a mature, intelligent and well-spoken person who deserves to be an example. This man is smart and deserves love.

[@kkwan5208]

I love this young man very much, he has the future, no doubt will be the best player of the world just the matter of time. Out of the blue, for a French his English is really good!

[@maestyasaes8368]

I take it personal😂😭 I'm french, but I agree, our accent and our English isn't always good, but the young generation is going to change that

[@kkwan5208]

@@maestyasaes8368 Maes, same here, for a Hong Kong old generation, some of us even can't speak a completed English sentence, but the milliennials is totally different, they even insist standard American accent, well, can't deny I'm getting old😭

[@haniyahfarooq6058]

I agree ❤

[@broccoli2699]

The hate in this comment section is so sad. MBAPPE is HIM and the man you will never be 💀

[@Model_Roe]

Football fans are toxic that's the dirty little secret of the football community

[@deeperpurposelive]

Awesome interview. Brilliant beyond belief. Nice setting. Loved his anwsers.

[@rfeshaye1643]

Much respect legend Very mature and honest ❤️

[@OcasoND]

They made him say soccer...

[@abi8681]

Best interview ever. I love him !

[@tearseul]

la verdad que mbappé es un tipo honesto que reconoce sus errores y tiene una visión muy clara sobre lo que quiere y le apasiona. lo respeto mucho, es un gran jugador. ojalá llegue lejos. desde argentina :)

[@robertoamenabar9970]

Deberia jugar en el pais de su madre o su padre como hace Halland y no aceptar jugar para un pais que asesinó millones de africanos en la historia. Messi no aceptó jugar para España.

[@razackchrist5096]

@@robertoamenabar9970 Messi should have played in the Italian National team then.

[@robertoamenabar9970]

@@razackchrist5096 mother and father are ARGENTINES. Big difference.

[@razackchrist5096]

@@robertoamenabar9970 Mbappé mother is French.

[@robertoamenabar9970]

@@razackchrist5096 both french?

[@tekstove1244]

1:43 Michael Jackson 🥹❤️ ily kylian

[@johnnolucky]

gosto muito dele. aqui no brasil ele vem sofrendo uma perseguição por parte da mídia hegemônica racista simplesmente por ter uma personalidade confiante de si, não ceder as vontades do Neymar. é muito triste porque cria se a narrativa de que ele é marrento ou sei lá o que, mas na verdade não, ele só está correndo atrás do que ele quer sem baixar a cabeça pra ninguém. ele é só 2 anos mais velho do que eu e já é o maior artilheiro em finais de copa do mundo, campeão do mundo e vice campeão, vai ser dolorido pra muita gente aceitar o fato de que ele é o momento e será, eu espero, pelos próximos 10 anos. torço muito por isso.

[@marcelanavarretevucovich4554]

Love this guy, he will be the best one day

[@kingcecil7126]

Mbappe is a great and serious guy, he takes his sport very seriously and doesn't respect people who don't give the same dedication to the sport that he does. The media has attempted to cast him as the bad guy in his relationship with Messi and Neymar because he doesn't pay much attention to the media and his decision to stay at PSG and the package he received rankled those pundits who were aghast at this example of player power.

[@FridaFolabit]

Eight things that made me love mbappé: 1) Can't take shower without music LOL. That my language.😂 2) Taking dinner with Michael Jachson. Wasn't expecting that. I would say same too. 3) Collective spirit👍👍 4) Reading books at home in the aftetnoon. That's just me😅 5) Defeat is part of life💪💪 6) When u love what you do, you don't see the things like sacrifice 7) Never stop dreaming young or old 8) His accent

[@compilation8104]

kyyy is a real.inspiration, way to go boyyy

[@crodetto7073]

Go Mbappe! I’m routing for you!

[@zeea6507]

His focus on football nothing else. Focus is essential.

[@ShyGoldie]

the collective spirit answer is so unbelievably true, in team everywhere it's the most important thing. In sports, in business projects etc. It makes everyone feel as one and feel comfortable with eachother to win together.

[@victory835]

Yeah the competitive part got me thinking of the world cup guy your alot of things but that one you really did give it all it was a game of life time we may never experience such thrill in a lifetime...that was a whole bunch of spirit and focus,you set the bar upp there!

[@kiwiintheskywithdiamonds7611]

I've always heard about him but after the WC final I just fell for him 😍😍😍

[@Model_Roe]

He's one of the best footballers in the world right now him and Halaand

[@Blue-ik8ij]

​@@Model_RoeDoesn't ghost like Haaland in big games 😂

[@Model_Roe]

@@Blue-ik8ij Haaland is garbage to even compare him to Mbappe is an insult to Mbappe like just don't lol

[@tabishghezali8549]

See you guys on ten years when Mbappe become an icon of the game bye ✌️

[@z.yukler]

already is

[@Andy224]

What a legend.

[@nomasikomathenjwa9273]

Kyk’s is such a sweetheart 🥹♥️ such a sweet man ♥️

[@yeetyahuhyur8989]

Dude really has wonderful soul. 🤗

[@onouphrios]

very well spoken dude, got so much respect for him

[@kellypond9377]

Wise and eloquent.....impressive.

[@naledibarbara2823]

I was surprised that he loves reading. it's a good thing though

[@bluexray7429]

I'm not surprised because all my French friends told me that he speaks very good French, like a professor which is probably caused by him reading lots of books

[@y.etosha]

I love his personality!!!

[@lilyrose6016]

The most incredible football player ever!!! ❤❤❤ hope he always healthy

[@robertoamenabar9970]

After Messi, Maradona, Haaland, CR7, De bruyne and 20 more. Traitor.

[@wanikobluesguy322]

@@robertoamenabar9970 after Haaland come on man, mbappé is wayyyy better than Haaland, are you shure that you've watch football before ?

[@fortaaa6314]

@@robertoamenabar9970 lol he’s the best in the world

[@asnark7115]

@@wanikobluesguy322 Mbappe is barely better than Haaland, if at all. Let's give him Mbappe credit, but not get too carried away. And don't even forget Traore..

[@jessicasalas2772]

@@asnark7115 why are you on every comment being a hater. Go away pessi fan

[@lili3356]

Mbappe :"Football is my patient" 😂

[@ProdutyFR]

merci Kylian Mbappé super inteview !

[@susanalungu5219]

Dream Big!! ,I love the fact that he's encouraging not only himself but young people world wide💖 #mbappe

[@user-cp1co5vl7m]

He is so charming ❤

[@sab1614]

Natural..good heart... gratefull

[@chadwick7312]

I didn't like this guy before, but he's actually a great all around person and phenomenal player.

[@maestyasaes8368]

Why didn't you liking him? I'm curious

[@md_am5]

i had the worst impression of him because of how the media portrays him, but once you actually see his interviews in full and how he is with his teammates in the club and national team, everything changes

[@damiensaron5275]

Have the upmost respect for this man

[@donaandrew2916]

English has gotten a lot better. Props to the best in the world atm.

[@dynyz7]

Beautiful video and he is a mature, passionate and kind person❤

[@noorthaerr]

I love him and encourage him because he deserve , he is professional player who has proven himself and has a very kind and humble heart ♥️🙏🏼

[@fictionz]

I've heard of him since 2018 World Cup but the 2022 one made me appreciate him better, really don't understand people who talk trash about him though. In fact I like his energy a lot. Him and Neymar are both awesome to me, past their flaws.

[@suburbanpicasso]

1:52 - this is some marvelous wisdom! This advice translate to all walks of life. The field. The office The household. Well said!

[@Ntombi_Red]

My goat 🙌🏾🖤 I'll be keeping my eyes on you from now on🖤

[@sibahleshandu]

His voice and accent ❤️🥺😂

[@yiyyie_]

People wouldn't be complaining about his confidence if he were white, especially those pessi racist fans

[@alexaaa20000]

EXACTLY people hate confident black people or people of colour

[@noahh9472]

My favorite soccer player I can relate to him I hope he wins another world cup 2026

[@Lisa-ws1qv]

I remember watching the show where he picks out sneakers and he's english was really bad. And I'm super impressed with how welll his english has gotten in such a relatively short period of time. He must've put alot of work into it because learing a new language at a later age is extremely hard.

[@Nellylumumba]

god he’s so well spoken

[@tanyau]

he is so inspiring and passionate

[@yogi2983]

young legend

[@Jay-vz4fd]

Mbappe the king of new era

[@ThePodgeiscool]

New fan of your person and always a fan of your football Mbappe! From Ireland!

[@khushisehra]

Such a beautiful person! ❤

[@yanyanchau2505]

Good to see him in black & white interview Merci

[@narutokun2748]

GM Kylian, have a safe and blessed days ❤️ U always 🙏🇯🇲

[@Dreamin21]

Incredible footballer and person! Il est si, si, sensass !

[@MYRIESTH]

Julian is a good guy ! A real good football player and very humble! He will be a great player and long career !

[@yenziwendlovu8238]

I, too, can't take my shower without music. He's just like me fr.

[@kayellh8655]

Vidéo très esthétique, footballeur et personne exceptionnels 💕

[@paquefeal2385]

Nice interview 🤗🤗🤗

[@helloworld-sl2lw]

He really knows how to express himself

[@JuanGrix]

I absolutely love this guy ❤️

[@tightpumpum3403]

Well Said Mr. Mbappe , continued put in the grate work.

[@ndzgloria1733]

Old soul in a young body… Huts off to your views in life kykzz 💚

[@zi9599]

he is so endearing like

[@nicolasviard2252]

Not only a great player but also a really smart guy. Already a polyglot.

[@Nothing_here1204]

I’m not suprised that he’s very competitive, to be the best you have to want to be better than everyone else. To be the LITERAL best in the world, which is Mbappé’s ambition, you have to be incredibly competitive

[@user-hx9ze3xy1o]

永遠支持Kylian Mbappe + France :)

[@yuri7769]

Amazing person

[@jimaldon]

Making Mbappe say "Soccer" is sacrilege

[@mystique9782]

You're eyekonic..simply incredible.....

[@YvOnNe-tr4by]

I love him soo much ❤

[@effynangolo2420]

Competition matters, in a good way❤

[@sebfleebee]

His English is amazing! I wasn't expecting that