Real Madrid: Three reasons behind Kylian Mbappé’s explosive start to the season

Kylian Mbappé

We now know much more about the impressive form of Kylian Mbappé at the start of his season with Real Madrid.

Kylian Mbappé has kicked off the 2025-2026 season in sensational style. The French striker has already netted 16 goals in 12 matches across all competitions. Despite picking up an injury during the latest international break with Les Bleus, the former PSG forward is the man in form right now. L’Equipe has broken down this new version of Mbappé, pointing out that three main factors explain his current level.

According to the French outlet, Mbappé first benefited from a full three weeks of rest this summer. In addition, he wasn’t fully involved in the Club World Cup, having been sidelined due to a severe bout of gastroenteritis. Mbappé also lost 6 kg, and, as the French daily notes, he hasn’t regained all of it. Ultimately, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as he’s gained muscle mass and rediscovered his explosive acceleration off the mark.

🚨 Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷 réalise 𝗟𝗘 𝗠𝗘𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗘́𝗕𝗨𝗧 𝗗𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗘 𝗦𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗜𝗘̀𝗥𝗘 en termes de buts ! 😳

▫️ 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 : 16 buts
▫️ 𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟴/𝟮𝟬𝟭𝟵 : 15 buts
▫️ 𝟮𝟬/𝟮𝟭 - 𝟮𝟮/𝟮𝟯 - 𝟮𝟯/𝟮𝟰 : 12 buts

(@lequipe) pic.twitter.com/EF1uVxkuOa

— BeFootball (@_BeFootball) October 9, 2025

L’Equipe also reveals that the player has approached his body weight management differently this season. Finally, Mbappé enjoys Xabi Alonso’s full trust: the coach has installed him as the number 9 and gives him complete freedom on the pitch.