Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has responded to his defensive criticism. The French striker said it’s not something he takes personally. The talisman is among the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or.

Mbappé said the critics often focus on what he doesn’t do on the pitch rather than what he does well.

“I don’t think it’s normal, but that’s the life of someone who has lived at the pinnacle of excellence for years,” Mbappé told France Football when asked about those who criticise him for not tracking back enough during games.

“If I don’t score, people ask why I’m not scoring. Everyone has known what I’m capable of for years. And I think that’s where the human element comes in. It’s human nature to always focus on what someone isn’t doing… So, it’s not something I take personally.”

Mbappé scored 25 goals in 31 matches for Real Madrid in LaLiga in the previous season. Furthermore, the French striker scored 15 goals in 11 games of the Champions League. He also scored 10 goals at the FIFA World Cup in France’s semifinal run, taking his overall tally at the tournament to 22, which is now the most for any player.

“Everyone has their own point of view, but I think the goal of football is to score goals — to score one more than the opposition,” the former Paris Saint-Germain star said. “A player who scores goals will never be a problem for a team, because I’ve never seen a team win titles by scoring zero goals.”

Mbappé, who is Madrid’s leading scorer this season with five goals in as many games, added that criticism doesn’t affect his play.

“I think I have a fair relationship with criticism,” he said. “Because there is constructive criticism and somewhat more absurd criticism.

“It’s not something that scares me when I have to make a decision. I don’t think I’m going to be criticized… I move forward without hesitation.”

Real Madrid will face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.