Kylian Mbappé, 26, spoke to Téléfoot about his role as captain of the French national team, inspired by several key figures he worked alongside at Paris Saint-Germain. The striker particularly cited Marquinhos, 31, whose loyalty and ability to embody the club’s identity he praised.
Mbappé: “Marquinhos, a real joker, someone who has absorbed the club’s DNA”
“I knew Sergio Ramos; he’s truly a captain at heart. Not just on the pitch, but also in real life, even in the locker room. He was always there to help others. And yet, he wasn’t captain at Paris. He really has that spirit within him. I think he was born to be captain. Then I had Marquinhos at PSG.” Marqui, a real joker, someone who has absorbed the club’s DNA and who perfectly represents the club today.”
Kylian Mbappé (26) delivered a sincere, almost brotherly tribute to Marquinhos (31), which speaks volumes about their bond forged at Paris Saint-Germain. Behind the words, one senses a form of gratitude: that of a player who has become captain of Les Bleus, aware of what he owes to those who have managed to coach him without ever stifling him. Marquinhos, a silent but constant captain, embodies this quiet authority, one that doesn’t impose itself with his voice but with consistency, respect, and loyalty.
Emphasizing his humor and his attachment to the Parisian DNA, Mbappé describes a complete captain: human, competitive, and deeply aligned with the club he defends. This testimony goes beyond simple camaraderie. It reflects a clear-eyed admiration, that of a budding leader who recognizes the value of the role model who preceded him—and perhaps, unconsciously, the desire to be worthy of it himself.
With Sergio Ramos also as a role model, Mbappé likely has all the ingredients to be a good leader. It’s hard to find a more iconic and charismatic figure than the former Real Madrid and Spain player.
