Kylian Mbappe Credits His Mother for Mental Strength Shaping His World Cup Success
Kylian Mbappe's outstanding performances at the World Cup contrast with his more routine displays in club football, a difference attributed largely to his mental approach. Israeli players who have competed in the Champions League often highlight the psychological challenge of switching between high-profile European matches and less intense domestic games. Mbappe thrives in major tournaments like the World Cup, where every moment is significant, unlike regular league matches.
Mbappe credits his mother, Fayza Lamari, a former handball player and sports coach, for a pivotal lesson in his youth. At age 11, during a French youth tournament semifinal at a large stadium, Mbappe was overwhelmed by fear and barely played. After the match, his mother told him, "You will remember this all your life. You must always believe in yourself, even if you fail. Missing goals is not the problem, but refusing to play out of fear can haunt you forever." This advice transformed his mindset, eradicating fear on the pitch.
Since then, Mbappe has cultivated a disciplined lifestyle, starting from his teenage years at the Clairefontaine academy and Monaco's youth system. He follows strict routines including abstaining from alcohol entirely during the season, avoiding red meat, sugar, and soda, and consuming only high-quality fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. He prioritizes sleep, ensuring seven to nine hours nightly, and uses recovery methods such as ice baths, cryotherapy, and physiotherapy to maintain peak physical condition.
Mbappe also models his recovery and training regimen on Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he regards as a role model. Ahead of France's match against Spain, Mbappe acknowledged the team's potential but emphasized that they are not yet the strongest side, stating, "The strongest teams are those that win. Until proven otherwise, we are not the strongest." He recognizes the need for continued mental and practical work to achieve ultimate success.
This insight into Mbappe's mental resilience and disciplined lifestyle explains his ability to perform exceptionally in high-stakes moments, distinguishing him as a player who excels on the biggest stages like the World Cup.
