Mbappe Admits Defensive Work Must Improve

As France gears up to kick off their World Cup campaign against Senegal on Tuesday, captain Kylian Mbappe has acknowledged that he must step up his defensive contributions.

The 27-year-old Real Madrid forward, who has faced mounting criticism regarding both his leadership and all-around game, made the admission after being playfully called out by his younger brother Ethan.

Speaking to La Parisien, Mbappe revealed that a lighthearted exchange with Ethan—now at Lille—sparked a moment of reflection. “He teased me about my defending, and he wasn’t wrong,” Mbappe said.

“I need to take that extra step. It’s not glamorous, but it’s vital for the team. Winning is all that matters, and I’m prepared to do everything for that.”

The French captain’s second season at Real Madrid has been turbulent, with fan frustration simmering and reports of dressing room tensions following a trophy-less campaign.

Though Mbappe finished as La Liga’s top scorer, his defensive numbers lagged sharply: among nearly 1,500 players across Europe’s top five leagues, he ranked 1,350th for combined interceptions, blocks, tackles, and possession won. He averaged just 0.14 tackles per 90 minutes—the fifth-lowest figure overall.

Still, Mbappe has a history of rising to the occasion on the biggest stage, with 12 World Cup goals in 14 matches, including a memorable hat-trick in the 2022 final defeat to Argentina.

One more goal would tie him with Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer in what is his first World Cup as captain—a role he inherited from Hugo Lloris in 2023.

Teammate Ousmane Dembélé has publicly defended Mbappe, insisting the recent backlash has gone “too far.”

Following Tuesday’s opener against Senegal, France will also face Iraq and Norway in the group stage.