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WHAT HAPPENED?
Mbappe’s admiration for Zidane remains well-documented, with the French captain openly acknowledging Zidane’s influence on his career. The French remains a fan of the Real Madrid legend and attributes much of his success and inspiration to the former Los Blancos legend and coach.
WHAT MBAPPE SAID
Mbappe recently reiterated his respect for Zidane, saying, “I have told you many times [that Zidane is my idol]. When your idol is your coach, of course, you want him to do well. I am always with him, and the whole group is with him. We will try to win and get out of this situation. We played well today, but not effective. In this club, only victory counts. The group is happy [with Zidane]. That we are happy is one thing, but if the results don’t happen… it is up to us to try to get out of this game and get results.” While Zidane is not currently managing Real Madrid, Mbappe has consistently expressed his desire to work under Zidane in the future.
THE BIG PICTURE
Mbappe, now 26, joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The French forward has been an essential part of Madrid’s attack, contributing 33 goals so far in his first season with the club. The French has also provided 4 assists for Los Blancos this season. Despite a slower start especially as the dynamic with Rodrygo and Vinicius wasn’t working as expected, the French has picked up pace and is now en route to finishing this 1st season at Real Madrid with 40+ goals.
WHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid will now shift focus to the Champions League, where they play Arsenal, at the Emirates, for the first Leg of the Champions League Quarter-Finals. After that, they will play in La Liga, away at Alaves. Los Blancos are now 4 points behind Barcelona, with 8 matches to play in the league, and rely on Mbappe to help them shorten the distance and, hopefully, claim the title at the end of the season.
