Mbappe interview: 2026 World Cup win is the only goal! Denied infighting with Deschamps Lattice [xueting]
2025-03-18
On March 18, Beijing time, Mbappe returned to the French national team, accepted an interview with the Parisien newspaper, talked about many topics, let's see what he said.
The relationship with Deschamps
Mbappe: "There is absolutely no breakdown! If things were really broken, I wouldn't even take his call. Anyone who knows me knows that once I break up with someone, I don't maintain any contact, let alone fake socializing. But this does not mean that there will never be differences in cooperation, even if I try to avoid them, but disagreements can still occur. I must stress that, based on my upbringing, I have always maintained respect and recognition for Deschamps. He was the only manager in my national team career, the one who gave me my first call-up. We have written a great history together, and this relationship will not be negated because of two or three trivial differences."
"These differences are not secret, they are just differences of opinion that need not be made public. "In any profession, a clash of opinions between colleagues is the norm. It is neither a personal preference nor a lack of respect."
"He has not disclosed any decision to me. It's a personal choice, and I fully respect it. Just as I don't like to discuss big decisions on my own, the tacit understanding of this way of doing things makes me feel at ease."
About Zidane
Kylian Mbappe: "The successor is not in my discussion. The whole world is talking about Zidane and we don't have to pretend we don't know about the rumours. The final decision belongs to Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, so let's wait."
"He's Zidane! But again, this is something that needs to be considered at the top of the Football Association. Let's see what selection criteria policymakers use. We met occasionally, but deliberately kept our distance, because each meeting caused a media frenzy. But it's always a pleasure to be able to communicate with this legend."
About Griezmann
Kylian Mbappe: "Our friendship has never changed. Antoine's son Amaro is a complete football kid, and watching him is like seeing his childhood self. But being in the same city Derby camp is tricky, which may be difficult to appreciate in France. But believe me, we maintained a strong friendship, and he even invited me to his home many times for barbecues. It won't happen until the Madrid Derby, but since we live like neighbours, it will happen sooner or later."
"We have long had in-depth exchanges. Before he officially announced his retirement from the national team, I understood his considerations and respected the decision. During the national team training in September, we all went through a difficult time. We flew back to Madrid after the 2-0 win over Belgium and saw him hugging his family. I can't give more details, but I was not surprised when he announced his retirement from the national team."
On returning to the national team
Mbappe: "Wearing the France shirt always carries the same glory. This year is a new starting point, we want to start the journey with a high level of competition, to win the UEFA Champions League final four, while building strength for the 2026 World Cup. It's a big challenge for the whole team."
"I'm very happy to be back. Everyone knows how much this team means to me. I return with the same spirit and desire to contribute to France's success. I don't think the outside world ever questioned my loyalty. "While the discussion is real, you have to know that anything that goes wrong will generate public opinion."
About a possible Champions League match against Paris
Kylian Mbappe: "It would be a fatal mistake to imagine this possibility. Last year everyone was betting on Paris to play Real Madrid in the final, and we still remember our downfall. At the moment I am only focused on Arsenal, our opponents in the quarter-final, and Real Madrid's ambition to win the treble. It is the prerogative of the media and the fans to predict the game and as professionals we must prepare without distraction."
"While I will be watching the game in Paris and wishing my old club well, my full focus is on Real Madrid's quest to make history. What an honor it would be to achieve an unprecedented treble in your debut season! 150% focus and commitment, that's my commitment to the team."
"Of course I'll shake hands with Nasser! The seven years in Paris have engraved countless beautiful memories. I have always been mindful of the support the club has given on a professional and personal level and I am not one to be fussy. The speculation about me is pure nonsense."
About the Golden Globes
Kylian Mbappe: "What player deserves the Ballon d 'Or? Rodri, for example, do you think he fits the criteria? I had predicted that Vinicius would win, but Rodri won instead. If I had suggested this three months ago, it would have been dismissed as wishful thinking. Now it seems that the Ballon d 'Or candidates could cover all positions, even goalkeeper!"
About future goals
Mbappe: "The 2026 World Cup is my only goal. The desire to win the World Cup again was always burning and other noises never entered my mind. All the training and effort to write a new legend in America."