Mbappé's World Cup Performance Highlights Contrast with Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé continues to impress with his exceptional performance for the French national team in the World Cup, evolving from a player known for individualism and selfish play into a comprehensive team leader who combines scoring with assisting. This version of Mbappé is one that Real Madrid supporters have long awaited but did not witness during his two years at the Spanish club.

According to the French newspaper L'Équipe, Mbappé is showcasing remarkable teamwork in the tournament, engaging more in collective play and favoring passing and cooperation with teammates over the individual scoring tendency he exhibited at Real Madrid.

The publication notes that this transformation has made him one of the tournament's standout players and has reignited discussions about his eligibility to win the Ballon d'Or this year.

Statistically, Mbappé has recorded six goals in four matches for France, averaging a goal every 58 minutes, along with two assists, averaging one assist every two games.

In contrast, during this season with Real Madrid, he scored 42 goals in 44 matches, averaging a goal every 90 minutes, but provided only five assists, averaging one assist every nine matches. Despite winning individual awards such as the Golden Shoe and two Pichichi trophies, he has not secured any team titles in nine competitions with the club.

Analysts observe that Mbappé's World Cup form represents the ideal version that Real Madrid fans wished to see. He demonstrates greater tactical discipline and collaboration with teammates like Doku, Olise, Barcola, and Dembélé, whereas he did not show the same enthusiasm alongside Vinícius, Brahim Díaz, Gonzalo, or Bellingham at Madrid.

This contrast has angered Real Madrid supporters, who feel the player used the club as a transitional stage to prepare for the World Cup without delivering the performance they expected.

Spanish journalist Juanma Rodríguez expressed this frustration on the program "El Chiringuito," stating: "Let's be clear, Mbappé was preparing all year to play for France with Real Madrid members' money," adding that "his real obsession is not winning the Champions League with Real Madrid but winning his second star with France."

Rodríguez also pointed out that Mbappé was caught offside 60 times in La Liga, a figure he interprets as demonstrating "lack of focus and attention," especially when compared to his high discipline with the national team.

Despite the criticism, voices within the football community are calling for Mbappé to be awarded the Ballon d'Or in recognition of his outstanding performance with France, which combines effectiveness and team spirit.

Conversely, many Real Madrid fans believe the French player has let them down by providing his national team with what he denied the club, asserting that he was never truly part of the team's project but merely a transient star who used the club as a stepping stone toward personal glory.