Real Madrid Legend Inspires Dubai Kids: “You Can Be the Next Mbappé”
<h3><strong>Real Madrid Legend’s Message for Dubai’s Young Footballers: “You Can Be the Next Kylian Mbappé”</strong></h3><p>Dubai’s growing community of young footballers received an inspiring message this week from one of the sport’s greatest legends — <strong>Emilio Butragueño</strong>, the former Real Madrid and Spain striker. The football icon, nicknamed <i>“The Vulture”</i> for his clinical finishing and intelligence on the pitch, was in Dubai to unveil the new <strong>Kylian Mbappé wax figure</strong> at <strong>Real Madrid World</strong>, a theme park dedicated to the Spanish club’s rich history.</p><p>During his visit, Butragueño spoke passionately about football, hard work, and dreams — encouraging children across the UAE to believe that they too can rise to global stardom if they combine talent with determination and joy.</p><h4><strong>A Career Built on Passion and Perseverance</strong></h4><p>Butragueño is no stranger to success. Over his twelve-year career with <strong>Real Madrid</strong>, he scored <strong>123 goals in 341 La Liga appearances</strong>, helping the club secure numerous domestic and European trophies. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned seamlessly into leadership roles, serving as <strong>Real Madrid’s director of football</strong> and <strong>vice-president</strong>, where he continues to inspire the next generation.</p><p>Speaking to <i>Gulf News</i>, the Madrid legend shared his belief that success in football isn’t just about natural talent — it’s about mindset and attitude.</p><blockquote><p>“It is complicated to become a professional; many details have to be on your side,” he said. “But you can do your best with what you can control. The aim is to give your best every day, and most importantly — to enjoy it.”</p></blockquote><h4><strong>“Football Is a Game — You Must Love It”</strong></h4><p>Butragueño’s central message to young athletes in Dubai was simple yet powerful: <strong>have fun and love the game</strong>. He reminded aspiring footballers that passion is the foundation of every great career, no matter where they start.</p><blockquote><p>“Football is a game,” he said. “It means you have to have fun playing it, and you have to love it.”</p></blockquote><p>For many children training in Dubai’s booming football academies — from Jumeirah to Al Qusais — those words carry great meaning. The UAE has seen a surge in youth participation in football, with players from diverse nationalities sharing one common dream: to play professionally.</p><h4><strong>Lessons Beyond the Pitch</strong></h4><p>The Real Madrid legend emphasized that football teaches life lessons that go far beyond winning or losing. Teamwork, respect, and resilience — he believes these are values every young player should learn and cherish.</p><blockquote><p>“Football teaches you so many things,” Butragueño said. “It gives you the personality to know how to win and how to lose, to be part of a team, to respect others, and to stay resilient. What a recipe it is for personal growth.”</p></blockquote><p>He added that football’s greatest gift is its inclusivity — it’s a <strong>global language</strong> that unites people from all walks of life, regardless of nationality, income, or background.</p><h4><strong>Mbappé: The Modern Role Model</strong></h4><p>During the unveiling ceremony, Butragueño admired the wax figure of <strong>Kylian Mbappé</strong>, calling the French superstar an inspiration for young players everywhere. To him, Mbappé’s rise from humble beginnings in the suburbs of Paris to becoming a <strong>global football icon</strong> proves that dedication and hard work can overcome any barrier.</p><blockquote><p>“Football is a meritocracy,” he noted. “People from all backgrounds, nationalities, and cultures can reach the top. Football is for everyone.”</p></blockquote><h4><strong>Dubai’s Growing Football Passion</strong></h4><p>Butragueño also expressed his amazement at how much <strong>Dubai has embraced football culture</strong> over the years. From grassroots academies to international tournaments, the city has become a vibrant hub for the sport. Each week, thousands of children from different nationalities train across the UAE — not just to chase professional dreams but also to learn teamwork and discipline.</p><p>The Spanish legend’s message resonates strongly with Dubai’s young football enthusiasts — a generation that idolizes players like <strong>Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé</strong>, but now also has the encouragement of a Real Madrid icon who reminds them that <strong>dreams are built through joy, effort, and love for the game</strong>.</p><h3><strong>Inspiration for the Next Generation</strong></h3><p>Emilio Butragueño’s heartfelt message to Dubai’s youth captures the essence of football’s spirit — a blend of competition, creativity, and community. His advice serves as a reminder that while not every child will become a superstar, every player can grow, learn, and find happiness through the sport.</p><p>As the city continues to invest in youth development and world-class training facilities, perhaps the next <strong>Kylian Mbappé</strong> or <strong>Cristiano Ronaldo</strong> could indeed come from Dubai — a place where dreams meet opportunity and where football truly belongs to everyone.</p>