Why Mbappe May Never Be Truly Great If He Keeps Chasing Awards

Kylian Mbappe is undeniably one of the most talented footballers of this generation. But talent alone doesn’t define greatness mindset and focus do. And that’s where the concern lies.

Many of football’s true legends Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and even Thierry Henry didn’t rise to the top by obsessing over trophies and personal awards. They focused on playing beautiful football. The goals, accolades, and recognition came naturally because their mindset was team-first, performance driven.

Mbappe, on the other hand, seems to be following a different path. Since his early success at the 2018 World Cup, there’s been a growing sense that he’s chasing awards more than mastering the game itself. His focus appears to lean more toward building a legacy based on achievements than on the raw love of the sport.

This is where the pressure builds. The more a player becomes fixated on awards, the harder they become to win. You can see this with even the greatest CR7 and Messi. Despite their unmatched club careers, the World Cup remained elusive for years. Why? Some believe it’s because they wanted it too much. When a player plays to win a cup instead of playing to help their team win, they risk falling short.

Also Read: Why Ronaldo’s Greatness Can Be Bad for Clubs

In contrast, look at how Messi finally won the World Cup in 2022. That tournament wasn’t about Messi proving anything. He played with freedom, calm, and a clear focus on lifting Argentina, not himself. And that’s why they won. The entire team rallied behind him not because he wanted the trophy but because he was playing for them, not just with them.

If Mbappe continues to let the spotlight and media hype push him toward personal glory, he risks becoming a “star without a story.” A player with stats but no soul in his game. Even FIFA and sponsors may continue using him to drive attention, but real fans and football lovers know the difference between greatness and good marketing.

The message is simple: focus on football, not fame. Play to win matches, not just trophies. If Mbappe does that, his greatness will come. If not, he might just become another wasted talent in the history books.