Mbappé opens up on French culture, Cameroonian roots, and family myths

In a series of recent interviews, Kylian Mbappé has offered a rare, candid look into his personal life, addressing his views on French culture, his Cameroonian heritage, and the true role his family played in his career. The Real Madrid star, now 27, spoke to Vanity Fair and on the podcast The Bridge, revealing a nuanced self-awareness about his public image and upbringing.

On French culture

Mbappé described a national tendency toward discontent, saying "A los franceses les encanta quejarse y estar descontentos" and that "un francés es más feliz cuando no es feliz." He acknowledged this trait as cultural, including in himself, but noted younger generations are working to evolve this mindset. Source: ABC

On his roots

In The Bridge, Mbappé clarified his cultural identity: "He crecido más con la cultura camerunesa que con la argelina" because he spent more time with his Cameroonian family and visited Cameroon frequently. He also credited his upbringing among adults—accompanying his mother to handball and his father to football—for his ease in public speaking. Source: El Español

On family myths

Mbappé humorously debunked the idea that his father negotiated his contracts: "Si mi padre hubiera leído los contratos, me habría embolsado una pasta gansa." He explained his father never read the contracts, leaving legal matters to professional lawyers, while his parents focused on emotional support. Source: El Español