Kylian Mbappe might not have a trophy to show for it, but his debut season at Real Madrid was anything but quiet. And now, he’s got one of football’s biggest voices in his corner.
Former UEFA president Michel Platini has come out swinging in defense of the French star. While some critics continue to question Mbappe’s playing style, Platini isn’t having it.
At a recent press event in Italy, the French legend made his views very clear (quotes via RMC Sport). “Mbappe is a phenomenon,” he said. “He’s a striker who scores. Don’t ask him to play like Messi, Modric, Platini, or Zidane.”
Simple words. Strong message.
Mbappe scored 42 goals in all competitions this season — 31 in La Liga — winning the European Golden Shoe.
Not bad for someone in his first year in Spain. Still, critics have raised eyebrows because Real Madrid ended the season without a major trophy.
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Platini, though, sees it differently. “Either you build a team for him, or you build a team to play well. That’s the difficulty,” he added.
It’s the classic case of team balance versus star power. Mbappe is a finisher, not a playmaker — and Platini thinks that should be clear to everyone by now.
His comments also come as France prepare for their Nations League semi-final against Spain on June 5.
With a final against Germany or Portugal possibly on the horizon, Mbappe has another shot to silence his critics — with goals, not passes.
Platini didn’t stop to analyze Inter or discuss tactics. But on Mbappe, he was loud and clear. You don’t ask a Formula One car to drive like a go-kart — you let it race.
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