In a surprising and candid interview, former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has voiced his disappointment with current superstar Kylian Mbappé, citing a lack of humility and respect that he believes is damaging team spirit at the club.
Zidane, who led Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, drew a stark contrast between the players he coached and the current generation led by Mbappé.
“When I coached Real Madrid, I worked with great players like Ronaldo, Marcelo, Pepe, and Ramos. They all showed me real respect and put the team first,” Zidane said. “We won trophies because of that unity and discipline.”
The French legend specifically pointed to the aftermath of the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, where Real Madrid lost 3-2 to Barcelona. According to Zidane, then-manager Xabi Alonso—who was quickly sacked shortly after—asked the squad to show class by forming a guard of honor for Barcelona as they lifted the trophy.
“Mbappé ordered the team not to do it and waved them off the pitch instead,” Zidane revealed.
Zidane did not hold back in his assessment of the French forward, whom he has previously praised as a generational talent.
“Mbappé is a fantastic talent, but he needs to control his ego and focus fully on football,” Zidane said. “At Real Madrid, individual brilliance is not enough. You need humility, respect for the coach, and real unity in the dressing room. Only then can you win the big trophies.”
Zidane’s comments come amid ongoing turbulence at the Bernabéu, including the abrupt dismissal of Xabi Alonso and continued reports of dressing-room tensions surrounding Mbappé. Neither Real Madrid nor Mbappé’s representatives have responded to Zidane’s remarks.
