Real Madrid vs Monaco: Mbappé’s Gratitude to His Former Club

Bornheimer – An emotional clash awaits Kylian Mbappé at the Santiago Bernabéu as he faces his former club, AS Monaco, the team that played a pivotal role in his rise to stardom. The Champions League tie is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in the early hours (WIB). For Mbappé, this is not just a typical reunion.

A Critical Mission for Real Madrid

The stakes are high for Real Madrid as they aim to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. With the competition heating up, Los Blancos need a win to guarantee their automatic qualification for the next round. For Mbappé, it’s not just a sentimental encounter—it’s a crucial match for his current club’s aspirations.

While he has fond memories of his time at Monaco, Mbappé is keen on maintaining his professionalism. He stressed the need for Real Madrid to go all out from the first whistle.

Pressing from the First Minute

Mbappé is adamant that Madrid should waste no time and press Monaco relentlessly. His message to his teammates is clear: three points at home are essential to secure a place in the Champions League quarterfinals, avoiding the fatigue-inducing playoff rounds.

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“We must play aggressively from the start, chase them down, and we want to win the match to secure a place in the top eight,” Mbappé said firmly.

He also placed his trust in the magic of Santiago Bernabéu, a stadium that has often proven to be a decisive factor on European nights.

“This is a very important match against a tough opponent, and we’re playing at home, at the Bernabéu. Everyone knows that Champions League nights at the Bernabéu are an advantage for us,” he added.

Caution Against Monaco’s European DNA

Despite being the favorites, Mbappé refuses to underestimate Monaco. He acknowledges that while Monaco’s domestic form has been inconsistent, the Champions League is a different stage altogether. Monaco has a strong European pedigree and the mentality to challenge any top team.

“Monaco may not be in their best form right now, but in Europe, they know how to defend and compete as a top team,” Mbappé analyzed.

Respect for His Former Club

Beyond the ambition to defeat Monaco, Mbappé holds a deep respect for his former team. He recognizes that he wouldn’t be where he is today without the development he received at Monaco. His time at the Ligue 1 club was a crucial period that laid the foundation for his dreams.

“It was incredible. I was able to fulfill many of my dreams there. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for Monaco,” Mbappé said emotionally.

The striker expressed his gratitude for the opportunities Monaco gave him, making it clear that the club played an instrumental role in his growth as a professional.

“Honestly, it was a stroke of luck for me to be at that club because they gave me so much to help me reach my dream of becoming a professional player, and I will never forget it,” he added.

A Message of Sympathy for Córdoba

Before diving into tactics and the upcoming reunion, Mbappé also took a moment to show his humanity. He sent heartfelt condolences for the tragic accident in Córdoba, acknowledging that there are things in life far more significant than football.

“I want to express my condolences to all the victims of the accident in Córdoba. I saw what happened,” Mbappé said solemnly.

“It’s important to think of all the families, fathers, mothers, and siblings who lost loved ones. We are thinking of them, and remember, there are some things that are far more important than football,” he concluded.

As the match approaches, the focus will be on the game, but Mbappé’s thoughtful words and professionalism remind everyone that football, while a passion, is not everything.