Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ Kylian Mbappe accused of ‘trying to copy’ Neymar trickery after PSG spell alongside flamboyant Brazilian

The World Cup winner has always been fleet footed, with pace the biggest weapon in his attacking arsenal. Speed over the ground has allowed Mbappe to terrorise opposition defences, becoming Paris Saint-Germain’s all-time leading goalscorer.

He is now the latest superstar to have joined the ranks at Santiago Bernabeu, with Real Madrid snapping him up as a free agent. Mbappe went three games without a goal for the Blancos at the start of the Liga season, having struggled to sparkle at Euro 2024, and is considered to be trying too hard to emulate the trickery of former PSG team-mate Neymar.

Former frontman Kevin Diaz has told After Foot RMC of changes in Mbappe’s game that are doing him few favours: “When he’s on the ball, he tries some really challenging moves. Ever since he played with Neymar, it seems like he’s been trying to copy him with complex techniques. Sure, Kylian Mbappe has great technical skills, but when you’re not feeling confident, it’s like Thierry Henry says: just stick to what you know and do it well.”

Mbappe did open his Liga account for Real in a 2-0 win over Real Betis, but drew another blank as France opened their latest Nations League campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Italy. He is now working alongside Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in Madrid as they look to form a fearsome attacking unit.