'A player who is always thinking about himself': Jorge Sampaoli likens Kylian Mbappé to Cristiano Ronaldo, claims 'he can't be Like Messi'
Kylian Mbappé
's first season at
Real Madrid
has sparked comparisons to
Cristiano Ronaldo
, with former
Ligue 1
coach Jorge Sampaoli claiming the French star shares a similar mindset to the Portuguese legend. Sampaoli believes Mbappé, like Ronaldo, is "always thinking about himself and the goal", a mentality that has sometimes affected his integration with his teammates at Madrid.
A Tough Adjustment in Madrid
Mbappé's move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 was expected to elevate the club's attacking firepower. However, his transition has been challenging. While the 24-year-old has netted an impressive 36 goals in 52 appearances across all competitions, his role at Madrid has been a departure from his previous position at PSG, where he thrived as a winger.
At Real, Mbappé has been moved into the central striker role previously occupied by Ronaldo, inheriting the legendary No. 9 shirt. However, Sampaoli points out that Mbappé is struggling to adjust to playing alongside
Vinícius Júnior
, who occupies a similar attacking position on the left wing. "Mbappé looks very uncomfortable, very withdrawn," said Sampaoli. "He doesn't know how to attack in that position."
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The Messi-Ronaldo Comparison
Sampaoli's comments highlight a deeper comparison between Mbappé and Ronaldo. The Argentine coach explained that unlike Lionel Messi, who balances individual brilliance with a natural connection to his teammates, Mbappé shares more in common with Ronaldo's approach, which is largely self-focused. "Mbappé struggles a little more. I compare him more to Cristiano, a player who is always thinking about himself and the goal," Sampaoli added.
Sampaoli also brought up a comparison with the young Lamine Yamal, noting that the Barcelona star's playing style has more in common with Messi's, as he combines individualism with a natural connection to others on the pitch.
"We were talking about Lamine [Yamal], who can be compared to Messi because he has individualism and also a connection with otherness. Mbappe struggles a little more. I compare him more to Cristiano, a player who is always thinking about himself and the goal. And in Paris, he was decisive on the left, as a winger in the number 9."
Despite the challenges, Mbappé's individual quality has shone through, with his goalscoring prowess helping Madrid win the
UEFA Super Cup
and the
FIFA Intercontinental Cup
. However, Madrid has failed to secure a Champions League or Copa del Rey title this season, with Barcelona currently leading the
La Liga
race.
What's Next for Mbappé?
Mbappé's first season at Real Madrid has been marked by highs and lows. While his goal tally remains impressive, the team's failure to capture major trophies raises questions about his adjustment to Madrid's tactical system. With Barcelona's dominance in La Liga and the club's early exit from the Champions League, Mbappé will need to adapt quickly if he is to replicate the success of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
In the end, only time will tell if Mbappé can reach the heights of success that Ronaldo achieved at Madrid. But for now, the Frenchman's mentality and playstyle will continue to be scrutinized, as he aims to make his mark at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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