Mbappé Opens Up: The Silent pressure on Athletes to Hide vulnerability
Kylian Mbappé, the dynamic captain of the French national football team, has bravely spoken out about the persistent stigma surrounding mental health within the world of professional sports. In a candid interview with L’Équipe Magazine, the 26-year-old Real Madrid striker revealed the fear that prevents many athletes from openly discussing their struggles, a fear rooted in the potential for harsh public criticism.
Mbappé’s comments highlight a troubling paradox: athletes are expected to perform at peak levels while simultaneously being discouraged from acknowledging the emotional toll that comes with such intense pressure. “The dilemma is that people are already suffering,yet athletes aren’t supposed to express their pain,” Mbappé explained. He poignantly described the double standard, stating, “If you say it at the beginning, you lose everything and they tear you apart with their words. But when you win,no one dares approach you.”
This fear of judgment extends even to acknowledging fatigue or setbacks. Mbappé noted that admitting tiredness after a loss is frequently enough interpreted as an excuse for poor performance, rather then a genuine expression of human limitation. The expectation, he suggests, is for athletes to be perpetually resilient, masking any vulnerability.
Despite the external pressures, Mbappé emphasized his own relentless self-drive. Having recently scored twice in World Cup qualifying matches against Ukraine and Iceland, he admits to holding himself to exceptionally high standards.”I never wanted to accept failure, so I don’t mind if people blame me for it,” he stated. “I’m harsh on myself, more than most people, so I’m reconciled with that.”
While the interview touched upon his career trajectory – from France and Paris Saint-Germain to his current role at Real Madrid – Mbappé ultimately underscored that the most meaningful challenges are internal. He articulated the unforgiving nature of elite competition: “You have no right to lose, you are wrong.” Though, he reframed this pressure not as a burden, but as a catalyst. “But that’s also why people appreciate you – as you accept everything, because you keep your passion, and always want to win.”
Mbappé’s willingness to discuss these sensitive issues is a significant step towards normalizing conversations about mental health in sports. His words serve as a powerful reminder that even the world’s most celebrated athletes are human, and that acknowledging vulnerability is not a weakness, but a crucial aspect of well-being.
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