Mbappé: My childhood in Bondy taught me to greet everyone with respect, not just those I know

According to "Diario Sport," Mbappé has become one of the biggest stars in world football, yet his origins remain deeply significant to him. The forward reflected on growing up in Bondy, a suburb of Paris, and the values instilled in him as a child. Among these, one habit he has consistently maintained reflects his emphasis on respect for others.

Speaking directly to young people in French suburbs, Mbappé explained that his story extends far beyond his on-field performance. While football occupies a central place in his memories, he also wants to speak up for the community where he grew up and counter the negative stereotypes outsiders project onto these neighborhoods.

One of the most striking anecdotes Mbappé shared concerns a social rule he learned in Bondy. He said: "There's a rule in Bondy that everyone understands. You learn it when you're very young." He then described an everyday scenario that, in his view, encapsulates much of his neighborhood education.

The forward offered a specific example: walking down the street and encountering a group of 15 people gathered on a corner, knowing only one of them. In that moment, he could simply wave from a distance, or he could approach and shake hands with each person individually. According to this custom, what he must not do is greet only the person he knows and ignore the others. Mbappé explained: "If you walk over and only shake hands with that one person, the other 14 will never forget it. They will know what kind of person you are."

Mbappé stated that this lesson continues to guide his life, even in professional settings. He recalled meeting Mourinho at the FIFA Best Awards ceremony. Seeing the Portuguese coach surrounded by several people he didn't know, Mbappé approached them and, following his childhood custom, greeted each person individually.

Those around Mourinho were surprised by his gesture. After they parted, his father smiled and reminded him of its origins in Bondy. For Mbappé, this moment demonstrated that what Bondy taught him doesn't fade with success—it accompanies him throughout his life.

Mbappé also sought to challenge stereotypes about French suburbs. While acknowledging the economic hardships and social challenges there, he believes it's unfair that media coverage focuses exclusively on negative aspects. He recalled witnessing young people, often labeled "troublemakers," helping elderly residents carry shopping bags—scenes he noted rarely appear in the news.

Football, too, has been inseparable from Mbappé's life. As a child, he dreamed of emulating his idols, including Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, approaching school matches with intense dedication. His family, particularly his parents, supported his dreams while keeping him grounded in his roots.

His upbringing in Bondy also taught him to treasure every opportunity on his path to the top. From his first training session at Chelsea to visiting Real Madrid as a teenager, Mbappé recalls those moments as almost surreal experiences for a boy from the neighborhood. Eventually, he reached football's pinnacle, winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.

His final message was directed at young people from similar backgrounds. Mbappé championed the multiculturalism of French suburbs and encouraged them to pursue their dreams, reminding them they are part of France. For him, growing up in Bondy is not something to discard but an integral part of his identity—an education rooted in respect, humility, and the conviction that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves to be treated with dignity.