Kylian Mbappé made clear his focus is on the collective as Real Madrid fight for trophies.

The French forward has scored 90 goals in 107 appearances for Los Blancos since he signed from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024. But while his old club have been back-to-back Champions League winners, Real remain without either of the big two titles since his arrival.

‘You have to think about how to help the team’

The media continues to question the compatibility of Mbappé with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, but the 27-year-old is insistent that his focus is only on winning with the collective.

Next on their schedule is a fixture with Inter Milan to kick off continental competition, and Madrid are striving to get past the quarter-final of the Champions League for the first time since 2024.

“Very happy to be back playing in the Champions League. We always approach this competition with motivation and enthusiasm. We’re in good shape. We’re going to play a very demanding match, but this is the Champions League and it’s a pleasure.

“I’m not interested in removing players from the squad. People like it, the press does too, and that’s normal, because that’s what sells. I don’t know about you, but I’m focused on the team, on how we can improve. And win titles.

Individual awards and the Ballon d’Or debate

“When you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, you’re associated with these awards. When people see me in the street, they talk about it. It’s an award that’s very positive for every player. I’ve made a lot of history this summer in the most important competition. But there’s still a long way to go. And people are free to think who the best player in the world is.

“I’m only thinking about the upcoming matches. My experience tells me this is a long road, that every day… well, you have to think about how to help the team. And that’s all for now.

“If I score 40 and we’re fighting for the league, Champions League, cup… should I stop scoring goals because if I score too many… won’t we win? Of course I want to win titles, but it’s not a question of choosing. You have to do both. Score goals and win trophies.

Captain for France, learner at Madrid

“I have two different contexts: the national team and Real Madrid. Of course, in each context I have to take a step forward, but with the national team I’m the captain, and here I’m not. But I want to improve as a player.

“And not just for France or Real Madrid, but because I want to have a better understanding of the game at any given moment. I’ve had many different coaches, and that has helped me a lot to see how we can adapt to each situation. Because I always say that there are many games in one game.“