Kylian Mbappe: From failed Chelsea trial to turning down Real Madrid

When the 2016-17 French football season started, Kylian Mbappe was not a player expected to crack Monaco’s first team starting XI. In less than 12 months, the striker became the most sought after young football player in the world. At just 18, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain during the last transfer window, and he is set to become the most expensive teenager when PSG’s loan turns into a purchase in July 2018.

Mbappe’s rise has been dramatic, and there weren’t many doubts the youngster would make it to the professional level. The only doubts were really just how high he could soar.

Mbappe’s career could have ended when he was 11, but his resolve was strong and he shrugged off a failed trial to become one of the best French football prospects in decades. As an 11-year-old, the youngster was invited to a trial with Chelsea. The club even had him play in a youth game against English side Charlton. However, Chelsea decided against signing him, allowing him to return to his French club AS Bondy.

At 14, Mbappe had a trial with Real Madrid, and thanks to Zinedine Zidane, the player got to spend a week with the Spanish club’s youth sides. Madrid did offer him a contract, but Mbappe did something many young players don’t often do, he turned down a top professional club. The move allowed him to return to France and to further develop his skills.

The two situations were great learning lessons and lessons that football players around the world can learn from, too. Mbappe recovered from the disappointment of not making it at Chelsea. He used the experience to improve and grow as a player. He then took the experience, one he loved, from Real Madrid to develop further by remaining at a club he would have more opportunities to play at.

Opportunities are key for young football players, and taking chances to develop further are important. Failing a trial isn’t the worst thing for a football player, and recovering and developing can help any football player get to the level they need. With any luck, they can become the next Mbappe.