‘It saddens me’: Kylian Mbappe’s mother shares the impact of fame on the ‘lonely’ football star

Kylian Mbappe’s mother, Fayza Lamari, has opened up about the emotional challenges her son faces since joining Real Madrid, revealing that the pressures of fame have taken a toll on him. She expressed her concern, saying it “saddens” her to see him struggling with loneliness.

Mbappe, who rose to fame at just 18 with Monaco, made a spectacular debut in the Champions League against Manchester City, and just a year later starred for France at the World Cup in Russia, scoring in the final to secure victory. His seven successful years at Paris Saint-Germain eventually led to a free transfer to Real Madrid in 2024, where he has scored 58 goals in 69 appearances despite a difficult start.

Lamari shared personal insights during an event in Paris, recounting how she noticed her son’s rising fame. She recalled a moment during the 2018 World Cup when she saw him walking along the Champs-Elysees, realizing he was slipping away into stardom. She humorously compared him to Justin Bieber for his swift transition from Bondy to the Royal Monceau, noting how he could no longer walk openly in the streets.

She also described how Mbappe sometimes drives around the ring road to escape the pressure, revealing that he rarely walks freely in public anymore. “He can’t even walk down the street,” she said, highlighting the heavy burden of his fame. Despite these hardships, Mbappe remains passionate about football, though he admits being disillusioned with its darker side, telling a publication that much of what happens behind the scenes is troubling.

On the field, Mbappe continues to excel, netting 14 goals in just 10 matches this season, helping Real Madrid lead La Liga. He is currently preparing for upcoming World Cup qualifiers with France, facing Azerbaijan and Iceland. Despite personal struggles, he remains dedicated to his sport, finding motivation in his love for the game.