Kylian Mbappé is a name that transcends football; you don’t have to know about the game to know who he is.

As I pass through the underbelly of Madrid, Kylian’s new home and location for today’s shoot, his sense of stardom rings true. People of all ages wear the 26-year-old’s name on their backs. A phone’s speaker fills the metro’s whir with an edit of his hat-trick against Manchester City. And, as I emerge into the light of day, his face is on every street corner, from newsstands to billboards.

You’d be right to say he’s living every kid’s dream, but what’s also worth remembering is that he’s living his own, too. Because it wasn’t always like this. Once upon a time, he was the boy with a bedroom packed with posters of his favourite players. Now it’s him hanging up in households across the globe.

No matter what, though, he’s always stayed close to his roots. While a star of the present, he never forgets his past, continually embracing his inner child. Put simply, without the boy from Bondy, we wouldn’t have the man at Madrid. His mentality has never changed, only the stage he performs on.

Another thread connecting Kylian’s past to his present is the boots he wears. Nike's Mercurial: a pair for players who stand out, something he’s done since day one. The two are a pitch-perfect partnership, resulting in eight signature releases — the latest being a celebration of them all and the reason we sit down today.

So, as he moves forward, he does so with his initials finally stamped on the silo his idols once wore. While he used to follow in their studded steps, he’s now creating a new path for the next generation to do what he once did: dream. And, with the world at his feet, it’s safe to say that Kylian Mbappé has turned his dreams into reality.

For the launch of his latest signature Nike 'Kylian Mbappé' Mercurial, VERSUS sat down with the French captain to discuss his relationship with the Swoosh, the shared journeys of champions, and what it means to turn his childhood dreams into reality.

VERSUS: How did Bondy shape your dreams and self-belief, and when did you first feel like you achieved your childhood dreams?

Kylian Mbappé: It’s where everybody starts. I started to dream of being a footballer there. I started to have the ambition that I wanted to be someone. It’s where I created my passion for the game, and it was the beginning of something big; I’ll never forget where I came from.

Was having your own signature boot with Nike ever one of those dreams?

I’ve always loved the Mercurial. There were so many players I looked up to who wore them, players who, one day, I wanted to be like. So, to have worked with Nike again is a proud moment, an amazing achievement for me and my career.

Were there any players, in particular, that you looked up to? I know you and Thierry Henry have been quite close throughout your career.

Thierry Henry is a great example, not only to me but to many French players across the game. In him, we could see what we could become. I know that in England, he has a great reputation, and alongside him, Zinedine Zidane and several others were people we followed in the footsteps of.

Outside of the game, is there anyone else who inspired you to dream big?

I think it began when I started to grow up and understood the realities of being an athlete and how tough it can be. I looked elsewhere and became a fan of every great champion across different sports, knowing the sacrifices you need to make to have those moments. It’s a lot of work, and I have huge admiration for those who have achieved everything, to win and to cement themselves in the history of sport.

Is that what you think connects these great athletes, sacrifice?

Of course — we all share this feeling. People can imagine just how much time you spend working on your game to be able to turn it into a career. Sometimes in life, you may miss things, but to me, it’s not necessarily a sacrifice. Like I said, football is my passion; it has been for all of my life. I’m so happy to be able to do what I do; having the chance to win everything fuels that.

And away from the game, how do you take your mind off things?

I try to spend as much time with my family as I can, especially now that I’ve left France. They come to see me as often as they can. Other than that, I love to play video games, watch television, and just take time for myself and my friends while recovering after each game.

What was the last series you watched?

The last one I watched? It was Suits. It’s really good, but so long!

How about music — do you listen to any UK artists? I know Skepta gave you a pair of Air Maxes a while back.

I listen to a few! At the moment, Central Cee and Stormzy. But I listen to a little bit of everything. I love the way they feel the music — the way they rap, their flow; it’s pretty fun.

And finally, what’s one dream in your life you want to achieve?

Ah, so many. I’m still a dreamer. Of course, I want to win every possible title. But, to be honest, I also just want to be happy. Football is such a big part of who I am, but it’s not everything. One day, I’ll have retired. And when that day comes, I hope that I’ll be happy in my life.