Kylian Mbappe names Cristiano Ronaldo & Zinedine Zidane as inspirations behind Real Madrid dream move

The Frenchman joined the club on a free transfer from PSG

According to Kylian Mbappe, his desire to join Real Madrid was influenced by his “idols” Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ever since he moved to Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe was frequently linked with a move to Madrid. The former AS Monaco player came close to joining the club in 2022 before signing a new deal with PSG.

He has also claimed that he was on the verge of joining the team as a youngster. He disclosed that his passion for the team was ignited by his admiration for those two players in particular.

Mbappe said: “I live a dream every day to play here. Zidane was my idol, I started because of him. This club has an aura, it’s the best in the world. Since Cristiano arrived I followed every game; he was my other idol. I met Zidane here when I was 13. I spent a week in Valdebebas and could only speak to Zidane because I didn’t speak any other language than French. There were opportunities to stay but it wasn’t possible because of my family. I couldn’t come alone.”

🤍🇵🇹 Kylian Mbappé tells La Sexta: “I became a Real Madrid fan because of Zidane. Then Cristiano came…”.“He’s my other big idol. I watched all matches as a kid, and even as a player!”. pic.twitter.com/jebBcNYBIf

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 7, 2025

Mbappe has thrived in Madrid, following a modest beginning. After Robert Lewandowski, he is LaLiga’s second-leading scorer with 33 goals in 51 games this season.

Despite a slow start to his Madrid career, the Frenchman has now lived up to the expectations, and the forward has even matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut goal tally at the club, and if he scores another goal, he will surpass the Portuguese record.

Kylian Mbappe’s status has quickly risen at Madrid, and he will continue to influence the game on the pitch. He will certainly go on to register more goals and will hope to win his first Champions League trophy in his career this season.

Mbappe is expected to start the first leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal on Tuesday. After that match, they will go to Alaves over the weekend and play the Gunners in Madrid in the second leg.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.