When the conversation turned to his defensive contribution and the comparisons with Dembele and Rafinha, he did not seek refuge in the usual footballing platitudes. He reminded us that he scores more goals, that he offers different things and that comparisons of this kind can continue indefinitely.

He was even more pointed when asked about Paris Saint-Germain winning the UEFA Champions League after his departure. "I know more about football than many people," he said. A strong statement. Perhaps arrogant for some, but absolutely characteristic of a man who has learned to live under a spotlight that never goes out.

He appears equally cool in the face of the constant discussion about his coexistence with Vinicius. He cannot, as he says, control what is written. But he can control what happens on the pitch.

And there lies the whole point. José Mourinho put it differently: better 40 goals and titles than 60 without trophies. Mbappe lowered the bar even further: he would accept 30, as long as the cups came. But he added something that describes his entire philosophy: why choose?

Mbappe wants the goals, he wants the trophies, he wants the Ballon d'Or. He wants everything. And the footballers who made history usually thought something like this.