Kimpembe, 30, now playing in the Qatar Stars League after leaving PSG, spoke on RMC Sport and was asked about the criticism Mbappé has attracted in Madrid despite the France forward scoring 41 goals this season. Kimpembe drew directly on their years as teammates in Paris to frame his response.
"Mbappé has always been criticised in Paris. Has he always lived in peace with that? Of course. That is Kylian. He is trained for it, for the criticism."
He elaborated on the psychological infrastructure that sets Mbappé apart.
"He grew up with it, so this is no surprise for him. In general, the press is sometimes very critical of him. He has impressive mental strength. He is very strong."
Kimpembe was also asked about what he said to Mbappé during matches when the Real Madrid striker was tracking back less than his teammates expected. His response drew a smile.
"I always used to tell him that he tired me out when he didn't run. And what did Kylian say to me? The answer Mbappé gave is too strong."
He chose not to repeat the exact exchange, letting the implication land on its own.
On Mbappé's wider stature, Kimpembe was unambiguous.
"Mbappé has already shown it, both at PSG and with the French national team. Even at Real Madrid. He is capable of leading the team and elevating it. Kylian is a truly great player, everyone knows that."
The most revealing section of the interview came when Kimpembe addressed life inside the dressing room when Mbappé, Messi and Neymar were all at the club simultaneously between 2021 and 2023.
"Now they will say it couldn't work because we didn't manage to win the Champions League with the three of them, even though it was a legendary team. In terms of egos, it was tough. We have to be honest with ourselves, and even they acknowledge it."
He was careful not to frame this as bitterness, pointing instead to the rarity and privilege of the experience.
"I am very happy to have played with them. I am very proud to have played with players of this calibre. If someone had told me 15 years ago, I would not have believed it."
PSG face Arsenal in the Champions League final in Budapest on May 30. Mbappé, of course, will not be there — he left the club two years ago — but the shadow of that unfinished business with the trophy he never won in Paris continues to follow the competition's narrative.