Kylian Mbappé: “It is always a great feeling to come back to Monaco.”

Kylian Mbappé attended a special event in Monaco, where Loewe and Jacob & Co joined together for a bespoke project intertwining of acoustic innovation with the art of high jewellery. On this occasion Kylian gave an exclusive interview to the Living in Monaco magazine.

Before he became one of the most celebrated footballers in the world, Kylian Mbappé began his professional journey in the Principality of Monaco. His time at AS Monaco was short yet transformative, laying the foundation for a career that would soon captivate the global stage.

How does it feel to be back in Monaco, Kylian?

“It’s always a great feeling to come back to Monaco. I know perfectly the city, I know perfectly the AS Monaco football club, so it’s always a great feeling.”

In 2013, a 14-year-old Kylian Mbappé left the famed Clairefontaine academy and joined AS Monaco’s youth system. Even then, his dazzling speed, creativity, and vision marked him as a once-in-a-generation talent. Coaches at Monaco recognized his extraordinary potential, nurturing both his skill and discipline.

By December 2015, at just 16 years old, Mbappé made his professional debut for Monaco in a Ligue 1 match against Caen. With that appearance, he became the youngest first-team player in the club’s history, breaking a record previously held by Thierry Henry, another French legend who launched his career at Monaco.

Do you think about AS Monaco?

“Of course, because I started my career, my professional career here. I always wish them the best because it is a club that counts a lot for me, so I’m really happy.”

The 2016–2017 season proved decisive for both Mbappé and AS Monaco. At only 18, he established himself as a regular starter under coach Leonardo Jardim. His blistering pace and clinical finishing electrified the Stade Louis-II and terrorised Ligue 1 defences.

That season, Mbappé scored 26 goals in 44 appearances, including five in Monaco’s fairytale Champions League run that took them to the semi-finals. His performances against Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund announced him to the world as Europe’s most exciting teenage talent.

Most importantly, Mbappé played a central role in helping AS Monaco capture the Ligue 1 title in 2017—their first league triumph in 17 years. His partnership with Radamel Falcao symbolised the team’s fearless attacking style, which combined youthful exuberance with clinical efficiency.

Would you go for an AS Monaco football game to watch?

“I’ve been a few times in the past, but the problem when you want to watch games, you need time. And the problem that I don’t have much time, but if I have time, it’s always a pleasure to come back to Monaco and see them play.”

While Kylian’s stay in Monaco was brief, it was pivotal. The Principality provided him the platform to showcase his talents and the environment to mature into a world-class player. AS Monaco’s emphasis on youth development and attacking football proved to be the perfect incubator for his genius.

Today, whenever Kylian Mbappé’s name is mentioned, Monaco fans remember with pride the seasons when the young prodigy wore red and white. His legacy in the Principality isn’t measured only in goals and trophies but also in the inspiration he left behind for future generations of footballers.

Did Monaco change since you left?

“Indeed, I see some new things, so I can’t wait to go back and to watch some games and to support the club. I also noticed the lot of developments in the Principality, they even did some changes with the Stadium. Very happy to have you back. I’m really glad.”

For Monaco, nurturing Mbappé remains a defining chapter in the club’s long history of producing global superstars. And for the player himself, Monaco will always be the place where he transformed from a promising boy into a phenomenon destined to dominate world football.

Click here to see the photos of the Loewe x Jacob & Co. bespoke headphone launch party.