For years, football fans around the world speculated about one of the game’s most anticipated moves: Kylian Mbappé joining Real Madrid. Now that it’s finally a reality, the French superstar is opening up about the roots of his love for the Spanish giants — a passion deeply inspired by two of the most iconic names in football history: Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
A Childhood Dream Born from Zidane's Magic
In a recent interview with La Sexta, Mbappé revealed, “I became a Real Madrid fan because of Zidane.” For a young French boy with dreams of greatness, Zinedine Zidane was more than just a footballer — he was a national treasure. Zidane’s finesse, vision, and elegance on the ball captivated millions, and Mbappé was no exception.
At just 13 years old, Mbappé had the chance to visit Real Madrid’s training center, Valdebebas. This wasn’t just a casual tour. He was given the rare opportunity to meet Zidane in person, who at the time was already part of the club’s coaching setup. The encounter left a lasting impression.
“I didn’t speak any language other than French,” Mbappé recalled, “so I could only talk to Zidane. But even that was enough.” That week in Madrid planted a seed — one that would grow into a lifelong ambition to wear the white shirt of Real Madrid.
The Cristiano Ronaldo Effect
While Zidane sparked Mbappé’s love for the club, Cristiano Ronaldo fanned the flames. “Then Cristiano came... He’s my other big idol,” Mbappé confessed. Watching Ronaldo dominate the pitch with his unmatched athleticism, hunger for goals, and relentless drive, Mbappé found someone he could not only admire but aspire to emulate.
I watched all their matches as a kid,” he said, “and even as a player, I continued to study them.”
Ronaldo's time at Real Madrid was filled with silverware, jaw-dropping goals, and unforgettable Champions League nights. For Mbappé, it wasn’t just entertaining — it was educational. The way Ronaldo carried himself, trained, and always looked to improve became a blueprint for Mbappé’s own career.
The Influence Becomes Reality
Fast forward to today, and Mbappé is no longer the wide-eyed kid watching from afar. He’s now at the center of it all — wearing the number 9 for Real Madrid and leading the next era of Galácticos. The journey from idolizing to becoming is complete.
His admiration for Zidane and Ronaldo didn’t just shape his fandom; it helped shape his identity as a footballer. You can see it in his playing style — the technical brilliance inspired by Zidane, the explosive speed and killer instinct reminiscent of Ronaldo.
Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid wasn’t a business decision. It wasn’t about money or fame. It was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream rooted in admiration, emotion, and footballing legacy. “This is more than just a transfer,” Mbappé implied. “It’s coming home to the club that inspired me.”
A Legacy in the Making
Now the question is: will Kylian Mbappé inspire the next generation the way Zidane and Ronaldo inspired him?
With his work ethic, humility, and unmatched talent, the signs are promising. And if history is any guide, the kid from Bondy is poised to leave a legacy just as legendary as those who came before him.
As Real Madrid fans watch their new star rise, one thing is clear: the torch has been passed. And Kylian Mbappé is ready to carry it forward.
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