Landover, Maryland – March 30, 2026 – Kylian Mbappé, the star forward for Real Madrid and captain of the French national team, is known for his dazzling footwork and goal-scoring prowess on the soccer pitch. But a recent display of his athletic versatility – an impromptu basketball shooting contest in the locker room – has caught the attention of the NBA, sparking playful speculation about a potential career switch. The incident occurred following France’s 3-1 victory over Colombia at Northwest Stadium on Sunday, concluding their American tour.
A video shared by the French national team on Monday shows Mbappé, still in his cleats, taking shots at a trash can with a soccer ball. Under the watchful eyes of teammates Hugo Ekitike and Eduardo Camavinga, Mbappé successfully sinks a shot, celebrating with a jubilant run, smile, and dance. The clip quickly circulated on social media, eventually being reposted by the official NBA account on X (formerly Twitter).
Left-Handed Shooter
The NBA’s post prompted a humorous response from Mbappé himself, who quipped, “A 10-day contract?” on X. This playful exchange highlights Mbappé’s existing interest in basketball and his admiration for the sport’s top talent. He has previously expressed support for fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, the rising star of the San Antonio Spurs, and has attended NBA games in the United States, including one on June 14, 2019, according to reports.
The NBA’s French account further fueled the conversation, tweeting, “Alalalalala Kyky. Buckets!!” – a playful nod to Mbappé’s successful shot. Observers noted a curious detail: while Mbappé typically favors his right foot in soccer, he shot with his left hand during the basketball challenge. This suggests a natural athleticism that translates across different sports.
While teammates Ousmane Dembélé and Adrien Rabiot didn’t appear overly impressed by the impromptu display, the NBA’s interest underscores Mbappé’s broad appeal and athletic capabilities. It’s a lighthearted moment that showcases the camaraderie within the French national team as they prepare for future competitions.
Mbappé’s current focus, of course, remains firmly on soccer. According to the Fédération Française de Football (FFF), he has earned 96 caps for France, scoring 56 goals. He notably scored a hat trick in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina, becoming the second player in history to achieve that feat in a World Cup final. He also holds the distinction of scoring the 1600th goal in the history of the French national team.
His club form is equally impressive. Currently playing for Real Madrid, Mbappé was the leading scorer in the Spanish league in 2025 with 31 goals. He has also consistently topped the scoring charts in Ligue 1 during his time with Paris Saint-Germain, earning the Golden Boot in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. In 2024, he also received the Gerd Müller Trophy as the world’s top goalscorer, with an impressive 52 goals.
Despite the playful NBA chatter, Mbappé’s immediate future remains in soccer. The French national team will continue preparations for upcoming international fixtures, and Mbappé will undoubtedly be a key player as they aim to build on their recent success. The team’s next confirmed match is a friendly against Colombia on March 29, 2026, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, a game they won 3-1.
For fans eager to follow Mbappé’s journey, both on and off the soccer field, updates can be found on the official websites of Real Madrid and the FFF. The NBA’s social media channels will likely continue to monitor his athletic endeavors with amusement.
What do you consider? Could Kylian Mbappé have a future in basketball? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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