Kylian Mbappé: The Rigorous Exercise and Diet Routine of Soccer's Next Big Star

Kylian Mbappé is looking to become the king of soccer in the short term, but talent alone is not enough. Let's see what habits and foods the French striker chooses on a daily basis to achieve his goal.
Kylian Mbappé: The Rigorous Exercise and Diet Routine of Soccer's Next Big Star

Written by Cristian Minich

Last update: 15 December, 2022

Kylian Mbappé proves that his performance has no limit in every match. His physical shape is getting better and better, as well as his technique, power, and speed. All these characteristics place the Frenchman as the great candidate to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the best player in the world. Routine and a strict diet are Mbappé’s secrets to achieving this goal.

The 22-year-old is following a special exercise and diet plan that are fundamental to complement his athletic abilities. This will allow him to maintain the same level of fitness that both the Portuguese and the Argentine have shown throughout their careers.

In addition, Cristiano Ronaldo, his childhood idol, has been taken as a mirror when it comes to taking care of his physique. Meanwhile, he has also copied some diet secrets from Lio Messi, also a current legend and current teammate at PSG, which have helped him to get in his best possible shape.

Although he’s only in his eighth season as a professional footballer, Mbappé’s record is more than enviable: World Cup winner at Russia 2018, 4 French Ligue 1 titles, another 8 domestic cup victories, and 200 goals scored. Undoubtedly, we’re facing a player who’s already consecrated and will remain in history.

Will he become the best of all?

Kylian Mbappé’s routine to become the king of soccer

The great desire of Kylian Mbappé is to become the best player in the world, and it’s clear that he’s on the right track. However, in order to achieve this, he must follow a strict diet and exercise plan. It’s called invisible training and has to do with the daily care that he undergoes beyond training and matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo es inspiración de Mbappé.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s career is an inspiration for Mbappé, who has taken some of the Portuguese’s routines and applied them to his own life.

Thalassotherapy sessions, like Cristiano Ronaldo

Thalassotherapy is a therapeutic method that uses substances extracted from the sea that bring benefits to the body. It’s a natural procedure increasingly used by top footballers, such as Cristiano Ronaldo.

Treatments based on mud, seawater, seaweed, sand, plankton, and more than eighty other species extracted from the ocean act as relaxants for the body and also for the mind. To this end, the PSG star enjoys thermal baths and massages every week, enabling him to perform at his best on the field.

The benefits of the sea have long been known. Similar techniques were used for healing and relaxing purposes already in ancient Egypt, as well as in the Roman Empire and during the Middle Ages. These techniques evolved and were improved until today.

These are some of the benefits of thalassotherapy:

  • It improves the locomotor system.
  • Thalassotherapy accelerates the process of fat reduction.
  • It improves physical strength.
  • It induces relaxation.

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Cryotherapy to freeze injuries

Cryotherapy is a treatment in which cold is used to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells. For example, in the case of an injury, the cold is applied directly to the affected area.

Football stars are more exposed to friction and knocks. Logically, Mbappé is one of them. However, with this treatment, he’s achieved a physical strength that allows him greater resistance and also a much faster recovery.

Some benefits of cryotherapy are as follows:

  • It has an analgesic effect.
  • It improves blood circulation.
  • It decreases the recovery time of injuries.
  • Cryotherapy acts as a relaxant.
  • It improves sleep quality.

Kylian Mbappé’s diet is key to reaching the highest level

To exploit his full potential, Mbappé must comply with a balanced diet that’s rich in carbohydrates and proteins. It involves several meals a day, with an abundance of colors. The elimination of certain products is also key.

Pasta with salmon, the favorite dish of his diet

Historically, pasta has been highlighted as one of the best lunches for athletes. These must be meals with carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins. Pasta also helps to improve digestion, so it’s ideal to consume before competitions. 

Meanwhile, salmon is important to strengthen the muscles, as it presents a high content of protein and omega 3 fatty acids, in addition to vitamins and minerals.

A little of Messi’s dietary secrets

The young PSG star has taken advantage of the arrival of Lio Messi to the team to, among other things, adopt foods that have helped the Argentine to reach his peak performance. Let’s see what’s in Messi’s Mediterranean diet that Mbappé takes into account:

  • Olive oil
  • Nuts
  • Fish
  • Rice
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs
Messi inspira a Mbappé.
Now that they’re teammates at PSG, Mbappé has taken into consideration many elements of Messi’s diet.

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A red card for sugar

Sugar is one of the most commonly discussed products among athletes. While it has its benefits as an energy source, consuming more than the recommended amount can have negative consequences.

The action of hormones transforms excess sugar into fat when consumed in high amounts. This effect can lead to weight gain and increased fatigue when running. That’s why, in Mbappé’s meal plan, the intake of simple sugar is ruled out and replaced by complex carbohydrates and proteins.

The minimum amount of meat

On the other hand, Mbappé’s diet provides for a minimum consumption of meat and refined grains. Perhaps, for Kylian it’s easier to comply with this, due to the fact that France is a Mediterranean country.

But for Messi, as well as for other Argentine and Uruguayan soccer players, following it requires a greater sacrifice, given that in those countries the consumption of red meat is much higher.

Will Kylian Mbappé’s diet and routine make him the best?

Only time will tell if Mbappé becomes the best in the world. For now, his adherence to his routine and diet seems to be paying off, which is evident in the quality of his playing and the achievements he’s already made.

It’s not easy to stick to all the requirements that a professional soccer career demands. However, the hunger for glory helps to cope with these demands.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Banfi G, Lombardi G, Colombini A, Melegati G. Whole-body cryotherapy in athletes. Sports Med. 2010 Jun 1;40(6):509-17. doi: 10.2165/11531940-000000000-00000. PMID: 20524715. Disponible en: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20524715/
  • Lucchetta MC, Monaco G, Valenzi VI, Russo MV, Campanella J, Nocchi S, Mennuni G, Fraioli A. Le basi storico-scientifiche della talassoterapia: stato dell’arte [The historical-scientific foundations of thalassotherapy: state of the art]. Clin Ter. 2007 Nov-Dec;158(6):533-41. Italian. PMID: 18265720. Disponible en: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18265720/

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.