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Kylian Mbappé and Bijan Robinson Swap Sports in Unexpected Crossover
Kylian Mbappé and Bijan Robinson Swap Sports in Unexpected Crossover
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kylian Mbappé already knows how to leave defenders in the dust on the soccer pitch. But if the Real Madrid superstar ever traded his boots for cleats, he already knows where he’d line up: wide receiver.

The France captain made the call in an NFL video released Friday, capturing his meeting with Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson at Clairefontaine, France’s national soccer training center. Robinson showed up with everything Mbappé needed to make his football debut—a Falcons jersey, shoulder pads, and a helmet. And the French superstar didn’t hesitate to suit up and see what life on the gridiron might look like.

Bijan Robinson Puts Kylian Mbappé to the Test

Soccer: FIFA World Cup 2026 - Semi Final - France v Spain
Jul 14, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; France forward Kylian Mbappe (10) reacts after a semifinal match between France and Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Bijan Robinson kicked things off by presenting Mbappé with his game-day gear: shoulder pads tucked into a Falcons jersey and a helmet to complete the fit. “This is what I wear on game days. I know it’s a little different for you,” Robinson said.

Mbappé didn’t need a second invitation. “It’s going to be different, but I’m a player,” the French superstar replied.

He even called his shot on the position he’d play before putting on the pads. “If I played football, I would be the guy who runs and catches the ball,” Mbappé said. Robinson was sold, telling him he had the speed to make it work.

Next, the Falcons star walked him through the basics, showing him how to grip the football by the laces before sending him on a post route. Robinson gave him the simple “Ready, set, go” cadence, and Mbappé came away with the catch. The Real Madrid forward even showed off his ball-handling skills by juggling a football in full pads, although he admitted the gear felt pretty heavy.

Other members of the French squad also got in on the action, taking turns rocking Robinson’s No. 7 jersey and helmet. The session wrapped up with a few one-handed grabs, giving the group a taste of NFL-style highlight-reel plays.

While Mbappé was busy showing off his potential as a pass catcher, Robinson has a much more pressing issue to deal with in Atlanta.

The Falcons have developed an unwanted habit of getting off to sluggish starts, often digging themselves into an early hole before their offense can find its rhythm. Outside of their explosive showing against the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta has struggled to get much going on its opening possessions, leaving the team playing catch-up far too often.

That’s a particularly troubling trend for an offense built around establishing the run and letting Robinson set the tone. Following Sunday’s home loss to the Chicago Bears, the Falcons’ superstar running back made it clear that the team needs to clean things up early, as reported by The Athletic.

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