Mbappe has admitted that a mental health issue hindered his ability to reach his peak performance

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe states that a “mentality issue” hindered him from achieving his best performance earlier this season.

The 26-year-old captain of France signed with Real on a free transfer last June after departing from Paris St-Germain.

However, he faced difficulties in the initial months after his transfer, managing to score only three times in 11 matches at one point.

That streak featured missed penalties against Liverpool in the Champions League and Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, resulting in Madrid losing both games.

Mbappe expressed that he felt at “rock bottom” following those missed opportunities, but a change in his mentality has resulted in four goals across his last three games.

“I think it was a mindset problem, and that was when I understood I needed to put in more effort,” stated Mbappe.

“I was overthinking about how to accomplish tasks.” Deciding to venture into space, deciding to enter Vini’s [Vinicius Jr’s] section of the field, to Rodrygo’s section. When you dwell on thoughts, you lose focus on your performance.

“I felt good physically and with the team, but I realized I needed to take further action; it was the moment to alter the circumstances.”

“I couldn’t perform any worse, so when you hit the lowest point, the only way is up.”

Following the loss to Bilbao on December 4, Mbappe has netted eight goals in 10 matches across all competitions.

At the same time, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has rejected rumors that he plans to depart the club following the season’s conclusion.

“I will not choose to depart from Real Madrid,” said the Italian.

“This day will arrive, but I won’t be the one making the choice.” It might happen tomorrow or in five years. The intention is to stay here with Florentino [Perez] for four more years and then bid farewell.