Real Madrid forward and France captain Kylian Mbappe said he would play as a wide receiver if he swapped football for American football during an NFL promotional event at France’s Clairefontaine training base.
Mbappe briefly exchanged his football boots for the full Atlanta Falcons uniform, including a helmet and shoulder pads, after meeting Falcons running back Bijan Robinson as part of the National Football League’s European outreach campaign.
The unusual meeting between two high-profile athletes attracted widespread attention on social media. Mbappe took part in practical exercises designed to give him an introduction to the physical demands of the NFL, although he admitted the equipment felt very different from what he normally wears on a football pitch.
Asked which position he would choose, Mbappe was clear about the role he believed would suit him.
“If I played American football, I would be the one running and catching the ball,” he said in front of cameras, confirming his preference for the wide receiver position.
Wide receivers rely on acceleration, pace, movement to escape defenders and the ability to catch passes from the quarterback. After watching Mbappe run several routes, Robinson backed the Frenchman’s assessment, praising his explosiveness and agility.
The Atlanta Falcons player suggested Mbappe had the physical qualities required to beat an NFL cornerback, while reports from international media said the Real Madrid forward completed several catches during the session.
Mbappe also experienced the less comfortable side of the sport. He was surprised by the weight of the helmet and shoulder pads and said they restricted the freedom of movement he is used to having on a football field.
Robinson swaps NFL for football
The exchange worked both ways, with Robinson also putting on football equipment and taking part in a session led by Mbappe.
The Real Madrid forward coached the American athlete through ball-control exercises, short passing and shooting with both feet. Particular attention was given to Robinson’s non-dominant foot.
France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni also joined the event. The filming took place in a relaxed atmosphere, with the players joking together and Robinson attempting to save Mbappe’s shots.
The event forms part of the NFL’s wider effort to strengthen its commercial presence and international reach. The league is using the profile of globally recognised footballers to build its appeal in Europe and attract a younger and more diverse audience.
The NFL also plans to continue staging official games in major European cities, including London, Munich and Frankfurt. Its meeting with Mbappe was intended to connect audiences interested in football with fans of American football.
Supporters on the NFL’s official social media channels and Real Madrid’s communication platforms joked about the prospect of “Real Madrid’s No. 9 playing American football”. Mbappe’s appearance was, however, a promotional experience and an exchange of skills between two elite sportsmen.
