Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has come under fire for being too detached from everyday life, with critics questioning his ability to stay grounded despite his global fame. The French forward, who recently described the football world as “disgusting,” is now facing backlash after revelations about his lifestyle and reluctance to engage with the public spotlight.
Samir Nasri questions Mbappe’s detachment
Former France international Samir Nasri sparked debate when he revealed that Mbappe does not hold a driver’s licence, suggesting this reflects a lack of independence and maturity. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Nasri remarked:
“A license is a form of independence, being able to do what you want when you want, to go out without having to be accountable. That means he has no private life, not even with his family. When he has to do something, he has to hire a driver. There are bigger stars than him who have emerged, who have driven and gone around the ring road!”
According to Nasri, relying on others for even basic mobility distances Kylian Mbappe further from reality and prevents him from experiencing ordinary moments that keep stars connected with everyday life.
A reluctant celebrity
Kylian Mbappe’s natural talent has made him one of football’s brightest global icons since bursting onto the scene as a teenager. Yet, his personal choices reveal a reluctance to embrace the trappings of fame. Rumored romances and aspects of his private life are heavily shielded, and fans rarely catch a glimpse of him outside professional commitments.
Critics argue that while protecting privacy is understandable, withdrawing too far from public life risks alienating supporters who see him as a sporting idol.
The price of fame
Nasri emphasized that fame naturally brings public attention, and footballers must learn to balance their stardom with staying grounded. He illustrated his point with a personal anecdote:
“He can go out on the street, he’s not going to cause a fuss! There are people who will stop him and take pictures with him. But that’s the price of fame. When I was 18, I went to buy bread. My father would drive, I would get out of the car, go into the bakery and buy bread in Marseille, a city that lives off football. You have to do that, to be connected to real life.”
His remarks highlight the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy, even for the game’s biggest stars.
Growing scrutiny around Kylian Mbappe
While Kylian Mbappe remains a world-class talent admired for his achievements on the pitch, questions about his personal detachment continue to surface. For many, his inability—or unwillingness—to engage in ordinary routines symbolizes a disconnect between the football elite and the everyday experiences of fans.