In a surprising revelation that has sent shockwaves through the football world, it has come to light that Paris Saint-Germain’s superstar striker Kylian Mbappe, one of the most talented players of his generation, was once rejected by Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The story, which reads like a plot twist in a sports movie, dates back to 2012, when Mbappe was just a 13-year-old boy with dreams of making it big in the world of football.
Former Real Madrid youth coach Ruben de la Red recently shared the details of this incredible tale with the Spanish newspaper AS. De la Red, who was in charge of evaluating young talents at the time, revealed that Mbappe was brought to the club’s training facility, Valdebebas, on the recommendation of none other than Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane, a fellow Frenchman and one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game, had spotted something special in the young Mbappe.
The former midfielder, who later went on to manage Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, used his influence to secure a trial for the budding star.
It was a golden opportunity for Mbappe to showcase his skills at one of the world’s most prestigious clubs.
However, things didn’t go as planned. De la Red, reflecting on the trial, said, “Everyone keeps calling me about this. Just like any other kid who comes to train at Valdebebas, Every now and then a player would come, and look how far he’s come!
And how hard he must have worked to get there.” His words paint a picture of a routine trial, one of many that take place at top clubs around the world.
But what set Mbappe apart, even at such a tender age? According to De la Red, the young Frenchman already showed glimpses of his future greatness. “He had his little things: speed and dribbling,” De la Red recalled.
These are qualities that have since become Mbappe’s trademark, leaving defenders in his wake as he storms towards goal with blistering pace and mesmerizing skills.
However, there was one significant concern that led to Real Madrid’s decision not to sign Mbappe. “Physically, he was very thin and tiny. He hadn’t developed yet,” De la Red explained.
In the high-stakes world of professional football, physical attributes often play a crucial role, especially when evaluating young players.
Many promising talents fail to make the grade because they can’t cope with the physical demands of the game.
De la Red’s comments highlight the challenges faced by scouts and youth coaches. “And at the end of the day, when you’re 12 or 13 years old, it’s very difficult to know if you’re going to make it in the professional world,” he said.
This uncertainty is a constant in youth football. For every Mbappe who defies the odds and reaches the pinnacle of the sport, countless others fall by the wayside.
The former youth coach put it into perspective, stating, “Many players like Mbappé have fallen by the wayside.” It’s a stark reminder of the fine line between success and failure in football.
Even the most talented youngsters need a combination of hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck to make it to the top.
When asked if he expected Mbappe to develop into the global superstar he is today, De la Red was candid. “Neither he nor anyone else,” he admitted.
His response underscores the unpredictable nature of player development. “In the end, history tells you that very few make it to the professional world. And at Mbappé’s level, just imagine. That is a long-distance race in which he has been lucky and has worked hard.”
This story serves as a testament to Mbappe’s resilience and determination. Despite the setback at Real Madrid, he continued to work on his game, honing his skills and building his physique.
His journey took him to AS Monaco, where he burst onto the scene as a teenager, scoring goals for fun and leading the team to a surprise Ligue 1 title.
His performances caught the eye of Paris Saint-Germain, who initially signed him on loan before making the deal permanent for a staggering €180 million, making him the second most expensive player in history.
Since then, Mbappe has gone from strength to strength, becoming a key player for both PSG and the French national team.
At just 23 years old, he has already won the World Cup with France, scoring in the final against Croatia in 2018. His trophy cabinet also boasts multiple Ligue 1 titles, and he’s consistently among the top scorers in European football.
The irony of the situation is not lost on football fans. Real Madrid, the club that passed on Mbappe as a youngster, has been in hot pursuit of him in recent years.
They reportedly made a massive bid to sign him last summer, only for Mbappe to decide to stay at PSG, signing a new contract that makes him the highest-paid player at the club.
As France gears up for Euro 2024 this week, all eyes will be on Mbappe. The tournament, held in Germany, offers him another chance to add to his growing legend.
With matches against Austria, the Netherlands, and Poland, Mbappe will be looking to replicate his World Cup heroics on the European stage.
In conclusion, the story of Kylian Mbappe’s rejected trial at Real Madrid is more than just a footnote in his illustrious career.
It’s a powerful reminder that success in football, as in life, is not just about talent but also about perseverance, hard work, and the ability to overcome setbacks. It also underscores the challenges faced by clubs in identifying and nurturing young talent.
For Real Madrid, it’s a case of what might have been. For Mbappe, it’s another chapter in his extraordinary journey from a “thin and tiny” 13-year-old to one of the most electrifying players in world football.
As he leads France into Euro 2024, one thing is certain: the boy Real Madrid once rejected is now a player they, and every other club in the world, would love to have.