Even in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, respect can still shine through.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has made a heartfelt appeal for Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, asking the media and fans to “leave him alone” and let the young winger live his life away from the constant spotlight.
🚨🫂 Kylian Mbappé on Lamine Yamal: “People talk a lot about his personal life, I think they should leave him alone”, told Movistar.
“In football, he is a great player, but in life, he is an 18-year-old kid”. pic.twitter.com/MuvTmAP02R
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 9, 2025
Mbappe’s words came during an interview with Universo Valdano on Movistar Plus+, where the French captain shared his thoughts on the challenges faced by young players growing up in the modern football world.
The 40-goal-a-season forward knows a thing or two about fame at a young age — he was just 16 when he became the next big thing at Monaco.
“People talk a lot about his personal life. I think they should leave him alone,” Mbappe said. “In football, he is a great player, but in life, he is an 18-year-old kid.”
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A rival’s message of empathy
Mbappe’s comments struck a chord because they came not from a rival coach or pundit, but from someone who has lived the same story.
He reminded everyone that even football’s brightest stars are still learning about life off the pitch.
“At 18, everyone makes mistakes,” he added. “He’ll have his life experiences and learn what’s good for him and what’s bad. In the end, we should only look at what he does on the pitch.”
The Real Madrid talisman, who has faced similar scrutiny throughout his career, urged the public to focus on Yamal’s performances rather than personal matters.
“He has great talent, and I wish him the best of luck,” Mbappe concluded.
It’s not often that a Madrid star defends a Barcelona player, but Mbappe’s message showed that respect for the game goes beyond club colors.
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