NBA star Luka Doncic backs Kylian Mbappe to ‘figure it out’ at Real Madrid after slow start to life in Spain for World Cup-winning ‘Galactico’

The World Cup winner became another marquee signing for Los Blancos during the summer of 2024, as he arrived at Santiago Bernabeu as a free agent after severing ties with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain. Big things were expected of the France international.

Mbappe set himself the target of hitting 50 goals in his debut campaign with Real, but has registered just eight efforts through 16 appearances so far. The 25-year-old is still getting to grips with life as a central striker, having been moved out of his favoured position on the left flank.

France boss Didier Deschamps has been giving Mbappe a break from international duty as he looks to find a spark at club level, with there obvious issues that need to be ironed out in order for one of the most fearsome forwards on the planet to perform at his best.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, who spent his formative years in Real’s famed basketball academy, believes that Mbappe and Los Blancos will find a solution that benefits all parties. He told Managing Madrid: “I follow Real Madrid every time. I grew up there. They taught me everything, so it’s a part of my life. You can call it a secondary home. I learned a lot of stuff there and, especially, they gave me a way to be here right now (in Dallas). I always appreciate that 100%.”

He added: “Obviously (their season) could be better. But you know, when you get a guy like Mbappe, it takes some time to get used to it, but, we’ll figure it out.”

Following his latest break from international duty, with questions being asked of his future in the France squad, Mbappe will be back in domestic action on Sunday when reigning La Liga champions Real take in a trip to Leganes.