Kimpembe Reveals Mbappé’s Reaction to Defensive Work Rate Criticism After PSG Years Together

Presnel Kimpembe, who spent seven years alongside Kylian Mbappé at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to the Qatar Stars League, has offered a rare insight into the dynamic between the two former teammates — including how he would openly challenge the forward over his defensive work rate.

Speaking in an interview with RMC Sport, Kimpembe recalled the on-field exchanges with a sense of humour. “Is he criticised for not defending enough? I always told him that I got tired when he didn’t run,” the defender said with a smile. “And what did Kylian say to me? Mbappé’s response is too strong.”

The comments come at a turbulent moment for Mbappé, who has faced mounting scrutiny since his high-profile move to Real Madrid. The 26-year-old forward endured a difficult 2025-26 season at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Madrid failing to prevent Barcelona from claiming the La Liga title for the second consecutive year. The club’s recent trophy drought has intensified pressure on the squad, with reports indicating that fans signed millions of petitions calling for Mbappé’s departure from the club.

Despite the current turbulence surrounding his former teammate, Kimpembe was measured in his assessment of how Mbappé handles public criticism. “Mbappé has always been criticised in Paris,” the defender stated. “Has he always lived in peace with that? Of course. That’s Kylian… he is trained for it.”

Kimpembe further contextualised Mbappé’s resilience, noting that the forward has been navigating elite-level scrutiny since his breakthrough years. “Mbappé grew up with it, so this is not a surprise to him,” he added. “In general, the press can be very critical of him.”

The broader context surrounding Mbappé’s current situation at Real Madrid adds weight to Kimpembe’s remarks. The French international, who joined Madrid on a free transfer from PSG in the summer of 2024, has faced criticism from sections of the club’s support base following a season that fell short of expectations. Reports have also emerged of a rift between Mbappé and former Real Madrid figure Álvaro Arbeloa, with ex-manager José Mourinho among those who have publicly commented on the situation. Separately, Mbappé drew public attention after an Italian vacation with model Ester Expósito, to which the forward himself responded, describing it as his “only mistake.”

Kimpembe’s decision to address the criticism publicly, even in a measured and largely supportive tone, is notable given the sensitivity surrounding Mbappé’s standing at his current club. The defender’s seven-year stint alongside Mbappé at PSG — a period that encompassed multiple Ligue 1 titles and deep Champions League runs — lends credibility to his perspective on how the forward processes external pressure.

Mbappé’s immediate focus will return to club football as Real Madrid look to regroup ahead of the 2026-27 season, with the club expected to undertake significant squad reassessment during the summer transfer window.