Platini: ‘I See Mbappé Lost on the Field’

The three-time Ballon d’Or winner, however, is confident that his compatriot will “rise from his ashes.”

Kylian Mbappé’s performance with Real Madrid has fallen well short of the expectations generated by his transfer this summer from Paris Saint-Germain. On Wednesday night, the Frenchman had the opportunity to put his team back into the Champions League match against Liverpool, but he missed a penalty, and Ancelotti’s side ended up losing 2-0 at Anfield.

Several authoritative voices have commented on and criticized the tough times faced by the Real Madrid forward. The latest to weigh in is a legend of French football: Michel Platini. On the occasion of Serge Blanco being named ‘Sports Legend’ at the National Sports Museum in Nice, Platini briefly commented on Kylian Mbappé’s current situation.

“I see him lost on the field,” stated the former captain of the French national team. Although Platini cannot find an explanation for this poor form, he has no doubt that Mbappé can turn things around: “A great champion must rise from the ashes, consistently. This is what will make Kylian a great champion.” The 1984 European champion with the French national team hopes that “this is just a small bump, both for French football and for him.”

Mbappé has played 18 matches this season with Real Madrid, scoring nine goals (three from penalties) and providing two assists. However, in his last eleven appearances, he has only found the net twice. These are very low figures for a player of his caliber.