Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé has issued a strong message of support for Barcelona's young star, Lamine Yamal, urging the media and fans to respect his privacy and allow him to grow. Mbappé, himself a former teenage prodigy, empathized with the intense scrutiny Yamal faces, reminding everyone that the Barcelona winger is still just an 18-year-old kid.
Mbappé's comments came during an interview with Movistar Plus+, where he reflected on the pressures of growing up under constant media attention. "People talk too much about his personal life," Mbappé stated. "I think they should leave him alone. On the pitch, he's a great player, but in real life, he's just an 18-year-old kid".
Yamal, who had an impressive season with Barcelona, scoring 18 goals and providing 25 assists in 55 matches, has recently faced increased attention regarding his personal life. This includes reports about his relationships and a high-profile birthday party. The timing of this scrutiny was particularly notable as Yamal missed out on the 2025 Ballon d'Or, an award many had predicted he could win. The award ultimately went to Ousmane Dembélé.
Mbappé, drawing from his own experiences as a young player who debuted for Monaco at 16, understands the challenges Yamal is facing. "I know what it's like to have every camera pointed at you when you're still figuring out who you are," Mbappé reportedly added. He emphasized that Yamal's passion for football is what truly matters and should not be overshadowed by personal matters. "You can see that he has a passion for football, and it's the only thing he doesn't have to lose," Mbappé said. "The rest is his life, and people talk a lot about his personal life, his things. I think people have to leave him alone".
Mbappé also acknowledged that everyone makes mistakes at 18 and that Yamal should be allowed to learn from his experiences. "At 18 years old, everyone makes mistakes," Mbappé added. "There are things they do well, and they do badly. In the end, he will have his life experience, and he will know what is good for him, what is bad". He urged the public to focus on Yamal's performances on the pitch, stating that "in the end, we should only look at what he does on the pitch".
Mbappé's supportive words highlight the mutual respect between the two players, despite representing rival clubs. Their dynamic is seen as a key storyline in European football, with both poised to shape the future of the sport. Mbappé concluded by wishing Yamal the best of luck, stating, "He has great talent, and I wish him the best of luck". He added that Yamal should "stay focused on football" and that "what matters is what he does on the pitch".
Mbappé's message serves as a reminder that even the brightest stars are still young individuals learning about life, and that their privacy and development should be respected. His call for empathy transcends club rivalries, emphasizing the importance of supporting young players as they navigate the challenges of fame and expectation.
