French football star Kylian Mbappé is featured on the new cover of Vanity Fair. In an extensive interview, the Real Madrid forward discussed pressure, criticism, politics and expectations ahead of the next FIFA World Cup.
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In the magazine’s photo shoot, Mbappé appears in looks from Dior, Hublot and Marine Serre. The Real Madrid striker wore several outfits, ranging from relaxed denim and an overcoat styled over bare skin to a classic gray suit paired with sneakers. The images were photographed by renowned American portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz.
«It’s a life we chose»
The interview focuses less on fashion and more on the personal cost of global fame. Mbappé said he lives under constant public scrutiny and no longer feels fully in control of his private life.
«…It’s a life we chose. …We signed up for this. …So I find it a little ungrateful to complain,» he said.
The captain of the France national football team also reflected on the aftermath of UEFA Euro 2020, played in 2021, when he missed the decisive penalty in France’s shootout loss to Switzerland and was subjected to racist abuse online. Mbappé said he considered stepping away from the national team during that period.
Focused on the next World Cup
Mbappé is now preparing for the next FIFA World Cup. Despite posting impressive numbers — 41 goals in 41 matches for Real Madrid — recent seasons have been described as challenging for both the player and the club. Real Madrid has fallen short of several major titles, while Mbappé has also faced criticism from some commentators over an allegedly individualistic style of play.
At the same time, the French forward remains one of the most influential figures in global sports. He has more than 130 million followers on Instagram, and his commercial partners include Nike, Dior, Hublot, Oakley and EA Sports.
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