Kylian Mbappé Says He Had Nightmares After PSG Won the Champions League Without Him
Kylian Mbappé’s move from Paris Saint‑Germain to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 has become a focal point of discussion after PSG secured the UEFA Champions League title without the French forward in their ranks.
Marcel Desailly, the 1998 World Cup winner, told GOAL that Mbappé “probably had a couple of nightmares” when his former club lifted the European crown while his former teammate Ousmane Dembélé was being linked with the Ballon d’Or.
Desailly’s comments were made in an exclusive interview with Wiz Slots, where he reflected on Mbappé’s career trajectory, his achievements at the Parc des Princes and the challenges he now faces in Spain.
Mbappé arrived in Paris in the summer of 2017, the same transfer window that saw Neymar move from Barcelona for a world‑record €222 million, reshaping the club’s financial landscape.
During his seven‑year spell at PSG, Mbappé amassed 256 goals in 308 appearances, establishing himself as the club’s all‑time leading scorer.
His trophy haul with the French capital includes six Ligue 1 titles and a total of 15 major honours, yet a Champions League triumph remained elusive.
In contrast, PSG’s recent Champions League victory was achieved without Mbappé’s contribution on the pitch, a fact that has reportedly haunted the forward.
Desailly suggested that the psychological impact of watching his former team succeed in Europe while he remains in pursuit of the same accolade is significant.
The French striker’s record at PSG is summarised in the table below.
| Competition | Goals | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | 180 | 210 |
| Champions League | 36 | 44 |
| All Competitions | 256 | 308 |
Since his arrival at Real Madrid, Mbappé has continued to display prolific scoring form, netting 44 goals across all competitions in his first season.
Despite his individual output, the Spanish side has yet to secure a major trophy, and Desailly warned that Mbappé could endure a trophy‑free spell lasting up to four years.
Real Madrid’s current trophy drought is highlighted by a recent Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich, a defeat that intensified scrutiny on the club’s attacking options.
Desailly highlighted tactical issues at the start of the season, noting that the team struggled to find an effective configuration for Vinícius Júnior, Xabi Alonso and Rodrygo on the right flank.
He added that Mbappé’s versatility allows him to adapt to various forward roles, making him “the man for the situation” when the team’s structure is unsettled.
The French forward’s statistical contribution to Real Madrid is presented below.
| Season | Goals | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| 2024‑25 | 44 | 58 |
Desailly compared Mbappé’s potential legacy at Real Madrid with that of club legends Karim Benzema and Hugo Sánchez, emphasizing the Frenchman’s capacity to become one of the “top strikers” in the club’s history.
He also noted that Mbappé’s contract, signed in 2024, runs for five years, meaning it will expire when the player is 32, aligning with the age at which Desailly predicts a possible free‑transfer move.
At present, Mbappé is fluent in English, Spanish and French, a linguistic advantage that facilitates his integration into the Spanish dressing room.
Desailly dismissed speculation about immediate transfers, stating that “I don’t see him going anywhere” in the next one to two seasons.
The forward’s role within Real Madrid’s tactical setup has largely been that of a central striker, but he has also been deployed on the left wing to exploit his pace and dribbling against high‑pressing defenses.
Statistical analysis of his shot conversion rate shows a 19 % efficiency in the 2024‑25 season, comparable to Benzema’s 21 % in his final campaign at the club.
Real Madrid’s league performance this season has been inconsistent, with Barcelona currently leading the La Liga table, threatening the capital club’s domestic ambitions.
The table below outlines the top three positions in La Liga as of the latest matchday.
| Club | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 68 | +42 |
| Real Madrid | 62 | +35 |
| Atletico Madrid | 58 | +28 |
Real Madrid’s inability to clinch the league title this season adds pressure on Mbappé to deliver decisive moments in the remaining fixtures.
Desailly stressed that while the forward’s individual brilliance is evident, football remains a collective sport, and success will depend on the squad’s cohesion.
He also referenced the “problem with others” at the beginning of the season, suggesting that tactical adjustments are still required to maximise the team’s attacking potential.
Beyond club football, Mbappé’s personal ambitions include winning the Ballon d’Or, an award that has eluded him despite his World Cup triumph in 2018.
Desailly warned that the path to the award may be obstructed if Mbappé does not secure major trophies with Real Madrid, especially given the competition from players such as Erling Haaland and Vinícius Júnior.
The Frenchman’s marketability remains high; his transfer from PSG to Real Madrid was a free‑agent move, reflecting both his stature and the strategic planning of the Spanish giants.
Financially, his contract reportedly includes performance‑related bonuses tied to Champions League progression and domestic league success.
Should Real Madrid win the Champions League in the coming seasons, Mbappé would complete the personal trophy set that has defined his career.
Conversely, a prolonged drought could reinforce the narrative that his most significant achievements have been attained at PSG, despite his departure.
Desailly concluded that Mbappé’s “intelligent” nature will guide him through the challenges, and that his “passion for the game” remains a driving force.
He also hinted that the forward may consider a new adventure after his contract expires, potentially exploring opportunities outside Europe.
For now, the focus remains on delivering consistent performances, contributing to Real Madrid’s quest for the La Liga title, and breaking the club’s recent Champions League hiatus.
The coming months will test Mbappé’s resilience, as he balances personal ambition with the collective goals of one of the world’s most storied football institutions.
