Kylian Mbappe's Challenging 2024: On the Right Path at Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe's first months at Real Madrid were marked by highs and lows, but his strong finish in 2024 reflects his growing role and resilience.
Kylian Mbappe's journey at Real Madrid since joining in mid-2024 has been a blend of challenges and breakthroughs. The star forward has worked tirelessly to adapt to his new environment and deliver performances that match the high expectations at one of the world's biggest football clubs.
One notable setback came during a key match against Athletic Bilbao, where Mbappe missed a decisive penalty, leading to a 2-1 defeat. Reflecting on this moment, he admitted, 'In Bilbao, I hit rock bottom.' However, this served as a turning point, inspiring him to bounce back stronger.
Following this, Mbappe showcased his resilience by scoring in four consecutive matches, including a highlight-worthy goal in a 4-2 win over Sevilla. His performances earned praise from coach Carlo Ancelotti, who emphasized Mbappe's self-criticism as a driver for improvement. 'He has now fully adapted to the team, understanding his teammates better, and it shows on the pitch,' said Ancelotti.
Mbappe's impact extends beyond Real Madrid. As captain of the French national team, a role he assumed in 2023, he led France to the Euro 2024 semi-finals and became the youngest player to earn 70 caps for his country. These milestones underline his growth as a leader on and off the field.
Closing out 2024, Mbappe's stats are impressive: 14 goals and 4 assists in 24 matches across competitions. While some critics argue he has yet to fully meet the lofty expectations, the consensus is that he is firmly on the right path. The upcoming year will be crucial for Mbappe to solidify his leadership at Real Madrid and compete for major titles.