Kylian Mbappé spent part of his NFL education learning how to catch passes in a Falcons jersey, and Bijan Robinson got a crash course in soccer at France’s national training center.
The league released an eight-minute video on Friday from Robinson’s March 23 visit to Clairefontaine, where the Atlanta running back met the Real Madrid star and walked him through the basics of playing wide receiver. Robinson handed Mbappé shoulder pads, a helmet and an Atlanta look before getting to work.
“This is what I wear on game days. I know it’s a little different for you,” Robinson said.
Mbappé didn’t hesitate. “It’s going to be different, but I’m a player,” Mbappé said.
Before he even suited up, he identified the spot he’d want on a football field. “If I played football, I would be the guy who runs and catches the ball,” Mbappé said, and Robinson quickly told him he had the speed to fit the role.
From there, Robinson showed him how to keep his hands on the laces, then sent him out on a post route with a quick “Ready, set, go” call. Mbappé hauled in the pass and later juggled the football while still in full pads, though he said the gear felt heavy. Other members of the French group also tried on Robinson’s No. 7 jersey and helmet, and the session wrapped with one-handed catches.
Once Didier Deschamps, then France’s head coach, joined in, the focus shifted the other way. Robinson admitted, “I kick with my toes,” and Mbappé took over the teaching, showing him one-touch passing with both feet and shouting “Left foot!” while Robinson worked on his weaker side.
The 24-year-old finished in goal, taking shots from his knees. “Can’t score on me,” Robinson said, before Mbappé’s final attempt drew the loudest reaction of the day.
Robinson has since said he thinks he could beat the soccer star at his own sport, and his hosts invited him back before he left. “I would come. I love America,” he said.
The clip lands nine days before the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints play the NFL’s first game in France at Stade de France on Oct. 25.
A few things have changed since the cameras rolled. France finished fourth at the World Cup after losing to Spain in the semifinals, and Zinedine Zidane replaced Deschamps in July. Mbappé scored in Real Madrid’s 4-3 Champions League win at Roma on Wednesday, giving him 95 goals in 113 appearances for the club, and Madrid will face Sevilla in La Liga on Sunday.
Robinson’s Falcons are coming off a 30-23 overtime loss to the Ravens on Sunday Night Football, a game in which he broke a 37-yard run inside the 5 and Michael Penix Jr. suffered a rib injury. Atlanta hosts the Chicago Bears on Sunday, and Penix’s status remains unclear.
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