Soccer star Kylian Mbappe has shared that LeBron James gave him valuable advice on how to solidify his legacy by making a positive impact off the field.

Mbappe, an avid NBA fan, was seen courtside at the International Games in Paris last week. He recently collaborated with James on a Nike campaign, and he cherished the opportunity to gain insights from the four-time NBA champion. “LeBron is much further along in his career than I am, and his off-court projects have cemented his status as a sports legend,” Mbappe told British GQ.

“Receiving advice from such inspiring figures allows me to refine my own strategies and develop an approach that maximally benefits young people today.” With the increasing demands of European football schedules, Mbappe suggested that the sport might eventually adopt NBA-style ‘load management.’

During the 2022-23 season, the 25-year-old played 63 games for PSG and the French national team. He understands the need for balancing workloads in a season similar to the NBA’s 82-game schedule. “We’re approaching an NBA-style model with seasons of 70 games,” Mbappe noted. “Personally, I’m not opposed to playing that many matches, but it’s challenging to consistently perform at a high level and deliver the spectacle fans expect.”

In the NBA, players often miss games and teams practice load management, a concept that has faced criticism, especially for stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard. “Fans who buy tickets, especially if they only get to see you once in a season, understandably want a top-notch performance,” Mbappe said.

“I don’t want to preach, but we need to collaboratively find the best solution that accommodates players, spectators, and football’s governing bodies.”

Although Mbappe has frequently been linked with a move to Real Madrid, he has not ruled out playing outside Europe eventually. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar joining the Saudi Pro League and Lionel Messi moving to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Mbappe recognizes a shift in football’s landscape.

“Many great players who have influenced football history have moved away from Europe this summer, marking a new era,” Mbappe observed. “It’s part of the sport’s cycle, and eventually, it will be my turn. I’m not concerned about these changes; I’m focused on continuing my career and charting my own path.”