Kylian Mbappe has picked up where he left off at the end of his first season at Real Madrid, with three goals in three La Liga matches at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. The France international is the star man at the Santiago Bernabeu, and his level commands respect from teammates and opponents alike.

Someone that falls into both of these categories is Jules Kounde, whom Mbappe is colleagues with at international level. And as per Diario AS, the Barcelona defender has been very complimentary of the Real Madrid man’s captaincy skills.

“I’ve always thought that Mbappe does the captaincy in a very natural way. He is very present with his colleagues, always willing to dialogue, he shares responsibilities. Because of the type of player he is, he inspires respect and recognition from his teammates. It’s something that comes naturally to him.”

Kounde was also asked about the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, which is believed to be between club teammate Lamine Yamal and international compatriot Ousmane Dembele.

“Both deserve it. They have had an extraordinary season, including titles. Being a teammate of both, it’s complicated. It is not me who votes, and there are arguments for both. I am very happy to share a team with Lamine, to see how he leads us. Ousmane has reached a kind of prime, he is playing his best football, with statistics to back him up. May the best man win.”

Kounde excited to face PSG in the Champions League

Kounde also spoke on Barcelona being drawn against Paris Saint-Germain in the league phase of this season’s Champions League.

“It is a match that we have marked because it is a spectacular confrontation. Last season, I think it was the duel that people wanted to see the most, especially in a Champions League final. Also because of the history of confrontations, it has a special flavour. In addition, because of the quality of PSG, you always want to measure yourself against the best. It’s a match that we are looking forward to.”