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France’s star forward Kylian Mbappe has spoken candidly about the sense of freedom he has discovered since moving to Real Madrid. As he prepares to lead Les Bleus in their 2026 World Cup opener against Senegal, the striker shared how leaving his homeland has unexpectedly enabled him to live a more ordinary life, even after enduring two challenging seasons on the pitch while his former club continued to dominate European football.

Finding calm amid professional challenges

In an interview with Le Parisien, Mbappe described how his everyday routine has transformed since settling in the Spanish capital. While Real Madrid are known for their relentless pursuit of excellence, the 27-year-old has faced two technically demanding years. Despite winning the European Golden Shoe in his debut season and finishing as La Liga’s top scorer twice, he has yet to lift a major trophy with the club. To add to the disappointment, his former side Paris Saint-Germain have gone on to claim back-to-back Champions League titles during his absence. Yet, becoming part of Madrid’s famed ‘Galactico’ culture has brought him an unexpected peace away from football. The overwhelming fame that once surrounded him in France has eased, letting him move about without the constant need for security.

Living a simpler life in Madrid

Discussing his immense global recognition, Mbappe acknowledged that being a superstar is part of who he is but admitted he now feels genuine happiness in the more balanced way he can live. He told the French publication: “I’m prepared to be famous; I have to deal with that.” He went on to explain how his life in Madrid has brought him a refreshing sense of normalcy. “I’m very happy in Madrid; I can live more freely than in France. I can go out on the street without security. I can live my life and make plans that I didn’t make before. It’s good. I do very normal things, more than people think,” he shared.

Haunted by memories of World Cup heartbreak

Although his new life in Spain provides personal contentment, the memory of France’s 2022 World Cup final defeat to Argentina still weighs heavily on him. Mbappe admitted that the emotional wounds from that match remain raw. He said: “It’s very difficult to lose a World Cup final. It’s a competition that takes place every four years. Many of the players from that match are no longer in this World Cup. That’s the cruelty of it – to think we went through all that only to lose on penalties. I don’t believe in luck; penalties aren’t a lottery. It’s a technical skill, but it remains the cruellest way to lose a World Cup final.”

Eyeing redemption at the 2026 World Cup

Now, Mbappe is determined to turn that pain into motivation as France begin their 2026 World Cup journey against Senegal. With a renewed sense of personal freedom and emotional clarity, the global football icon will be eager to lead his country back to the pinnacle of world football and finally put the heartbreak of four years ago behind him.

Can France reclaim the World Cup title?