Kylian Mbappe has revealed how the disappointment of missing a crucial penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Athletic Club became the catalyst for his recent resurgence in form.
The French forward struggled to meet expectations during his early days with Madrid, despite a respectable goal tally. The pressure intensified earlier this month when he missed penalties against both Liverpool and Bilbao, leaving him at a low point in his season.
Since then, Mbappe has bounced back impressively. He scored against Girona, netted an early goal against Atalanta before an injury forced him off, and returned to dominate in a 3-0 victory over Pachuca in Qatar. Most recently, he dazzled in Madrid’s 4-2 win over Sevilla.
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“I know I can do a lot more,” Mbappe admitted after the Sevilla game. “There’s more football in me than what I’ve been showing. But in the last few games, I’ve been improving. That penalty miss in Bilbao… it was a turning point. I hit rock bottom, and it made me realize I needed to give everything for this shirt and play with personality.”
Reflecting on his adjustment to the team, Mbappe added: “We’re getting to know each other better. My arrival changed a lot for the team, but the adaptation period is over. I feel great now, and you can see it on the pitch—I understand my teammates better, and we’re all playing much better together.”
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti also praised Mbappe, reiterating his belief in the forward. “His adaptation period is over,” Ancelotti said with a laugh. “Sometimes, I do get things right! His self-criticism and attitude have helped him overcome a tough moment, and now he’s showing his full quality.”