Kylian Mbappe calls for Lamine Yamal critics to 'leave him alone' regarding off-field behaviour - 'Everyone makes mistakes'

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Kylian Mbappe has called for critics of Lamine Yamal to "leave him alone", saying they "should only look at what he does on the pitch". Aged just 18, Yamal's performances have seen him already become a global superstar, but his off-the-field behaviour has attracted increased scrutiny. Mbappe, who also broke through as a teenager, has defended Yamal, saying "everyone makes mistakes" at that age.

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Kylian Mbappe has defended Lamine Yamal following criticism of his off-field behaviour, saying people "should leave him alone" and that "everyone makes mistakes" at his age.

Yamal enjoyed a sensational campaign with Barcelona last season, playing a starring role in Hansi Flick’s side as they won the domestic treble.

But the winger’s life away from the football pitch has been under growing scrutiny in the past few months.

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He is also at the centre of a row between Barcelona and Spain over his fitness, with the La Liga outfit withdrawing him from the national team’s latest squad.

Having also achieved stardom in the game as a teenager following his breakthrough at Monaco, Mbappe sympathised with Yamal, calling for critics to focus on on-the-pitch matters.

"You can see [Lamine] has passion for football and that's the only thing he mustn't lose," the Real Madrid forward said in an interview which will be broadcast on Movistar on Sunday.

"The rest is just his life. People talk about his personal life, but I think people should leave him alone."

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Mbappe added: "[Lamine] is a great football player, but in life he's an 18-year-old kid. At 18, everyone makes mistakes. He'll live his life.

"We should only look at what he does on the pitch. The rest isn't important, as long as it isn't anything serious. He's a player with a great talent."

Yamal won the Kopa Trophy last month for the second year in a row, recognised as the best player under the age of 21.

Mbappe won the inaugural award in 2018 after winning the FIFA World Cup with France and the domestic treble with Paris Saint-Germain.

Yamal’s latest Kopa Trophy came on the night he finished second in the Ballon d’Or, five places ahead of Mbappe.

Depending on their respective injury issues, the two La Liga stars could face off for the first Clasico of the season on October 26.

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