Kylian Mbappé opens up on fame, flaws, and Miroslav Klose’s all-time goals record

French football superstar Kylian Mbappé has spoken candidly about his fame and flaws at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 27-year-old has experienced World Cup glory and heartache with France, winning the 2018 edition before losing the 2022 final to Argentina.

Mbappé scored a hat-trick in that final defeat four years ago before replacing Hugo Lloris as the nation’s captain in 2023.

And having risen to global fame as a teenager, the Real Madrid forward has opened up about adapting to life in the limelight.

Mbappe at the World Cup - stats, records and how to watch

“Fame? I was prepared to be famous, but I think what I've become today goes beyond fame, and you're never really prepared for that. You just adapt the best you can,” he told Le Parisien, in an article featuring questions from his friends and teammates.

“I was prepared for fame because everyone knew I was probably going to become a very good football player. So people prepared me for it, but the kind of fame I experience now is on another level. You just have to accept that I've become who I've become.

“It's strange sometimes to see people who do the same job as me, who play for the same teams as me, but who don't live the same life I do.

“At the same time, you can't focus only on the downsides. There are a lot of advantages to being who I am, and there are also a lot of drawbacks.”

‘Everyone mentions Klose’s World Cup record’

Mbappé has entered the 2026 World Cup on 12 goals at the global tournament, scoring four in 2018 and then eight in 2022.

He won the Golden Boot in Qatar, and is now just four World Cup goals behind the all-time record of 16, belonging to Germany's Miroslav Klose.

“Everyone talks to me about Klose's record,” Mbappé said, in response to a question from France's all-time top goalscorer, Olivier Giroud.

“I think it's the first time in my life that a record has felt unreal. Because to me, it was unthinkable that in a competition every great legend of the game has played in, I'd already be at that level after just two World Cups at the age of 27.

“To imagine being the person who has scored the most goals in the entire history of the World Cup is pretty surreal.

“That said, I know what it feels like to win a World Cup, and I know what it feels like to lose a final. There are no emotions stronger than that.”

"So my priority is really to win the World Cup, bring home a third star, come back to the Champs-Élysées with the trophy in my hands, and give everyone [French] an unforgettable summer."

Click here to read article