Presnel Kimpembe has stepped forward to defend Kylian Mbappé… but in a very particular way. Speaking on RMC’s Génération After, the former PSG captain wanted to set the record straight amid the criticism still surrounding the French star despite a huge 41-goal season with Real Madrid… while adding one small caveat: Mbappé is a very poor defender.

Presnel Kimpembe knows Kylian Mbappé better than almost anyone, having played with him since his arrival in Paris in 2017. And according to him, there is nothing new about what is happening today in Madrid. “He was always criticised in Paris too,” the defender recalled, convinced that the French forward learned very early how to live with constant scrutiny. “That’s Kylian, that’s how he is, he was built for it,” he said.

Kimpembe Defends Mbappé Despite Defensive Criticism

Even though he acknowledges some of the criticism aimed at Mbappé, especially his lack of defensive effort, Kimpembe prefers to focus on his influence in big matches. “He wore me out with that when he didn’t run,” he joked, before underlining the Bondy native’s ability to win matches for his team at key moments.

For the former PSG academy player, Mbappé has a rare kind of leadership capable of lifting an entire group, whether with France, PSG or now Real Madrid. “Mbappé can take a team and raise it,” Kimpembe said. It is a strong statement at a time when some Spanish media are already questioning his impact despite his impressive statistics.

Kimpembe also looked back on the Messi–Neymar–Mbappé trio era at Paris Saint-Germain. A “legendary” squad on paper, but one whose coexistence was sometimes difficult on a daily basis. According to him, egos clearly played a role in the club’s European failure. “You have to tell the truth, and even they say it,” the French defender explained.

Background on Mbappé’s Career and Rise

Kylian Mbappé Lottin was born on December 20, 1998, in Bondy, a suburb of Paris. His father Wilfrid was a football coach and his mother Fayza a handball player. Mbappé joined the Clairefontaine academy and later AS Monaco, where he burst onto the scene in the 2016-17 season, helping Monaco win Ligue 1 and reach the Champions League semi-finals. His performances earned him a move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, initially on loan and then for a fee that made him the second most expensive player ever.

At PSG, Mbappé became the club’s all-time top scorer, won multiple Ligue 1 titles, and led France to World Cup glory in 2018 and 2022. However, he also faced persistent criticism over his defensive work rate and perceived ego. After a long transfer saga, he joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2024, where he scored 41 goals in his first season, yet the same defensive critiques have followed him to Spain.

Kimpembe’s Own Career and Insights

Presnel Kimpembe, now 29, came through the PSG academy and made his first-team debut in 2014. He became a mainstay in central defense and was named club captain in 2022. His partnership with Marquinhos was crucial in PSG’s domestic dominance, even as they fell short in Europe. Kimpembe has also been a regular for the French national team, winning the 2018 World Cup.

In his interview, Kimpembe spoke with authority not only about Mbappé but about the delicate dressing room balance. He highlighted that the trio of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé, though individually brilliant, never quite clicked as a unit. The lack of defensive structure from the forwards left the defense exposed, and personal rivalries for the spotlight often undermined collective performance.

Kimpembe’s comments come as Real Madrid face renewed scrutiny over Mbappé’s role. Despite his goal tally, pundits question whether he tracks back enough, especially in high-stakes Champions League ties. Kimpembe’s defense is measured: he acknowledges the flaw but insists that Mbappé’s offensive contributions more than compensate.

Analysis of Mbappé’s Defensive Deficiencies

Football analysts have long pointed out that Mbappé’s pressing intensity lags behind other elite forwards. Data from the 2024-25 season shows he averages fewer pressures per 90 minutes than striking peers like Erling Haaland or Robert Lewandowski. At Real Madrid, coach Carlo Ancelotti has tried to accommodate him in a free role, but the team’s defensive balance has sometimes suffered.

Yet Mbappé’s numbers remain staggering. With 41 goals in all competitions, he has been the focal point of Madrid’s attack and their leading scorer. His knack for scoring in crucial moments—late winners in El Clásico, hat-tricks in the Champions League group stage—anchors his reputation as a big-game player. Kimpembe’s testimony reinforces that perspective: teammates value his ability to turn matches single-handedly even if he neglects defensive duties.

Kimpembe also noted that Mbappé’s leadership style is unique. Unlike vocal captains, Mbappé leads by example when the pressure is highest. “He can carry a whole team on his shoulders,” Kimpembe said. This intangible quality often wins over skeptics, although some purists argue that a complete footballer must contribute at both ends.

The Messi-Neymar-Mbappé Dynamic at PSG

Kimpembe’s recollection of the trio’s time at PSG provides a window into why the club failed to win the Champions League despite extraordinary talent. When Lionel Messi joined in 2021, the dressing room already contained Neymar and Mbappé, each with substantial egos and distinct styles. While they enjoyed individual success, the collective often struggled.

“On the pitch, it was chaos at times,” Kimpembe revealed. “They all wanted to be the hero, and sometimes nobody wanted to do the dirty work.” This dynamic led to infamous Champions League exits against Real Madrid in 2022 and Bayern Munich in 2023. The defensive contribution from the front three was minimal, leaving the backline exposed.

Kimpembe stressed that the blame does not fall solely on Mbappé, but the system never fully optimized their talents. “We had pieces that didn’t fit,” he said. “Individually, they were geniuses, but as a team, we lacked balance.” This imbalance ultimately led to PSG’s inability to lift the European Cup, despite domestic dominance.

Now at Real Madrid, Mbappé is surrounded by a more unified squad led by veterans like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, and under the tactical discipline of Ancelotti. The early season has shown promise, but the defensive question marks remain. Kimpembe’s words serve as a reminder that teammates accept trade-offs for transcendent talent.

In the end, Kimpembe’s “confession” is both an endorsement and a gentle critique. He knows that Mbappé’s defensive inadequacies are real, but he believes they are a price worth paying for a player who can decide any match. The bond between the two former PSG teammates remains strong, and Kimpembe’s honesty reflects a veteran’s perspective on football’s delicate balance between artistry and grit.

Source: MSN News