Michel Platini Defends Kylian Mbappé After Criticism: ‘Don’t Ask Him to Play Like Lionel Messi’

France legend hails Real Madrid forward as a “phenomenon” after stunning debut season

Kylian Mbappé has heard it all before—too selfish, not enough assists, doesn’t press enough, not a “complete” player. But now, after his first season with Real Madrid, where he racked up an astonishing 43 goals across all competitions, the Frenchman has earned the backing of one of football’s greatest icons. Michel Platini has stepped forward to defend the 26-year-old forward, brushing aside comparisons to Lionel Messi and insisting that Mbappé should be celebrated for exactly what he is: a goalscoring phenomenon.

Platini: “He’s a striker. Let him strike.”

In an interview with RMC Sport, Platini was forthright in his defence of Mbappé, urging fans, pundits and managers alike to stop expecting the forward to replicate the all-encompassing playmaking magic of Messi or Zinedine Zidane.

“Mbappé is a phenomenon,” Platini said. “He’s a striker who scores. Don’t ask him to play like Messi, Modric, Platini, or Zidane. He’s not that. He’s a striker. A centre forward, not a centre forward—I don’t even understand what new coaches think of that anymore. He scores goals. That’s the most important thing.”

Platini’s words hit at the heart of a growing trend in modern football, where versatility is often expected to the point of blurring a player’s true identity. In Mbappé’s case, the conversation has often revolved around whether he does enough off the ball, or whether he creates enough for others. But Platini, who himself was once the heartbeat of France’s golden generation, sees the game more simply. And in Mbappé, he sees one of the sport’s purest goalscorers.

Critics quietened by Golden Shoe heroics

Embracing what Mbappé is—not what he isn’t

Despite some early season criticism for a perceived slow start at Madrid, Mbappé finished the 2024–25 campaign as La Liga’s top scorer with 31 league goals. He also secured the prestigious European Golden Shoe, underlining his consistency and finishing ability on the biggest stage. In total, his 43 goals in all competitions marked one of the best debut seasons in recent Real Madrid history.

What made his scoring feats all the more impressive is that they came amid immense scrutiny. The weight of expectations that comes with being Real Madrid’s marquee signing—and one of the most high-profile transfers in recent memory—is enormous. Mbappé didn’t just carry that burden; by the business end of the season, he looked comfortable with it slung over his shoulder.

He also emerged as a leading Ballon d’Or contender, further proving that he remains among the elite, even in a footballing world often obsessed with who’s next.

A player who needs the right system—or no system at all?

Platini went one step further in his comments, addressing the tactical dilemma facing coaches who manage players like Mbappé.

“You either build a team for him, or you build a team to play well. That’s the difficulty,” he said.

It’s a statement that raises a fascinating point. In today’s tactical landscape—where systems often trump individual flair—Mbappé is somewhat of a throwback. He’s a player who thrives on instinct, pace, and raw explosiveness. He doesn’t always hug the touchline. He doesn’t drop deep to dictate play. He scores. And sometimes, that should be enough.

Carlo Ancelotti, and now Arne Slot at Real Madrid, have both had to wrestle with this idea. How do you shape a team around someone with Mbappé’s skill set? The answer may be that you simply give him the keys and let him drive.

More than just numbers

Kylian Mbappe France 2024

Yet to reduce Mbappé to a goalscoring machine would be to miss the point. There is artistry to his movement, intelligence in his finishing, and growing maturity in the way he leads the line. In France’s national team setup, he has become increasingly vocal and influential, stepping into the role once held by players like Antoine Griezmann and Hugo Lloris.

The fact that Mbappé has already amassed 74 international caps and 46 goals for Les Bleus is staggering, and he’s still just 26. His potential, remarkably, still feels untapped.

And now, he gears up for another major tournament challenge with France set to face Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-final on June 5. Should they progress, a heavyweight final awaits—either against Germany or Portugal. It’s the kind of stage Mbappé relishes, and with Platini publicly backing him, he’ll no doubt be looking to deliver another reminder of just how unique a talent he is.

Embracing what Mbappé is—not what he isn’t

Too often, players are measured against impossible standards. For Mbappé, the comparisons to Lionel Messi are particularly weighty. Messi is arguably the greatest footballer of all time—a once-in-a-century playmaker, scorer, and magician rolled into one. Mbappé, as Platini rightly points out, is cut from a different cloth.

He’s not the architect who threads 40-yard passes through the eye of a needle. He’s not the false nine who drops into midfield to dictate tempo. He’s a direct, ruthless, world-class attacker who scores goals for fun. And rather than criticising him for what he’s not, perhaps it’s time to embrace what he is—a player who changes games, terrifies defenders, and breaks records.

As Real Madrid fans already know, Mbappé doesn’t need to be Messi. He only needs to be Mbappé. And judging by his first season in Spain, that’s more than enough.