The French superstar has silenced doubters in recent weeks after struggling to adapt to the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe believes a change in mentality has helped him improve his "situation" in the Spanish capital following his initial struggles following a dream move from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French superstar had an inconsistent first few months after joining Madrid last summer, but has returned to his devastating highs in recent weeks.
"You have to always stay calm and focus on your game and what you can improve on," Mbappe told a news conference ahead of Madrid's Champions League clash with Red Bull Salzburg on Tuesday.
"I knew I could change that and now that has changed."
Mbappe missed penalties against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao at the end of 2024, when he admitted he had "hit rock bottom".
The 26-year-old has promised to show character and overcome a shaky start and now has eight goals in his last 10 games in all competitions.
Just when the pressure of Mbappe's lifelong dream move to Real Madrid seemed too much to overcome, the French superstar silenced the doubters and now appears to be at home ready to wreak havoc in Spain and Europe.
"It's more of a mental thing... I know I'm in good shape physically and I'm in good company with the squad, the team, but I have to do more and I know that," Mbappe continued.
"It's time to say now I have to change everything and change things because I didn't come to Madrid to play poorly.
"Now everything has changed and I have to continue because it's nice to play well for a month, but it's easy."
In the final months of last year, Mbappe was in poor form and was also troubled by a thigh injury. He was left out of several French National League games.
However, the forward said he is looking forward to returning to the national team.
"There is no problem with the national team... I can understand the criticism (in France)," said Mbappe, who won the World Cup with France in 2018.
“I’m excited to come back in March and try to get to the National League semi-finals.
"My love for the national team has not changed."
🤍🗣️ @KMbappe: "Hello #Madridist. Very happy with today's win, we are leaders now and we have to continue like this. Jara Madrid! "#realmadridlaspalmas pic.twitter.com/L9hfZyzsAd
— Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 19, 2025
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been patient with Mbappe, often defending the striker and insisting he needs time to adapt to life in the Spanish capital and blend in with his new teammates.
The Italian has also stuck to his guns on Mbappe's positioning, insisting from the start of the season that the French striker should play centrally, leaving Vinicius on the left in his preferred role.
Mbappe and Vinicius struggled to work together and sometimes occupied the same space on the pitch.
Ancelotti has insisted on backing the striker, saying at the end of December that Mbappe had recovered and was now ready to perform at his best after sustaining a thigh injury.
"His (acclimation) period is over and that's obviously what he needs because everyone needs it," the coach said.
"What else does Mbappe need to improve on? Just being consistent... trying to make as many moves as possible that only he can make."
Mbappe's skill and pace have made him unstoppable in recent weeks, and he looks increasingly confident in himself with every game.
Kylian Mbappe put in arguably his best performance for Madrid, scoring twice against Las Palmas on Sunday to lift Los Blancos to the top of La Liga.
Vinicius was suspended against Las Palmas but will return in the Champions League and he and Mbappe must continue to develop their partnership.
If Madrid's dynamic duo can find the same wavelength, they will be ready to defend their status as the kings of Europe.