Will Mbappe’s Ego Drive Him Out Of Paris?

Amid the signing of Lionel Messi from Barcelona, the world spotlight has never been brighter in the city of Paris. With a strike force that rivals a small nuclear warhead, the addition of Messi to PSG’s already stellar lineup, the French side are the clear favourites to appear on the face on every possible piece of silverware in 2021 and beyond. For most, this season represents a massive opportunity for Paris and it’s players to stake their claim in history as one of footballs greatest ever side. However, the volatile ego of Kylian Mbappe has other plans. 

Kylian Mbappe - liverpool.com

Since bursting onto the Champions League scene in 2017, the young French wunderkind has gone from strength to strength at PSG, collecting 3 Ligue One titles and two visits to the Champions League Final. With 91 goals for PSG under his belt and a place on any big league side almost guaranteed, it wouldn’t be hard for any 22 year old to develop a €200 million ego. Unfortunately for Mbappe, it may just force him into the biggest mistake of his career.

 

Over the summer, every front page and sports headline speculated Messi’s final destination after contract talks came to a sour end in Barcelona. This put Mbappe in a rather unfamiliar position as for the first time in his young life he wasn’t the centre of attention, and unfortunately, that trend will only continue throughout the rest of his time at PSG. 

Messi at PSG - theathletic.com

Moving forward, there are several triggers that could cause major friction between Mbappe and his new team mates, both on and off the pitch. Over the next two years, Messi will be paid an annual base salary of €41 million including bonuses, dwarfing Mbappe’s measly €18 million. For the 2^nd most expensive player in history, a €23 million difference in salary is a real kick in the teeth. Furthermore, now that Messi is dressed in the famous blue and white stripes, PSG’s whole football philosophy is about to change. As in Barcelona, Pochettino will most likely run everything through his new Argentine superstar, taking the spotlight further away from Mbappe. Although this may benefit the team throughout the season, this won’t do any favours to Mbappe’s substantial self-worth. 

Mbappe - marca.com

So what’s the answer? A move to Real Madrid would give Mbappe his spotlight back, rescue La Liga and would most likley come with a substantial pay day. That ought to satisfy the ego for the time being, but it may just lead to the destruction of Mbappe’s career down the line.