Footballers and luxury cars are often inseparable. However, two of Real Madrid’s biggest stars are exceptions to this rule. Neither Kylian Mbappé nor the other has a driving licence, a surprising fact given their status and means. Why have these players not yet taken this step into everyday life?

Kylian Mbappé, world star and role model for millions of fans, does not feel the need to drive. Born in 1998, he came of age at a time when young people were already less inclined to get their driving licence. But for Mbappé, the main factor remains practicality. The 2018 world champion has said in several interviews that driving has never been a priority for him.

As a top player, he prefers to maximise his time by focusing on his career. Mbappé has a private chauffeur, which allows him to get around without having to worry about driving. Even with his transfer to Real Madrid, this habit has not changed. The Madrid club has provided him with all the necessary services, including a chauffeur and a personal chef, so that he can concentrate solely on football.

Jude Bellingham, like Mbappé, puts football first

At the age of 21, Jude Bellingham is one of the youngest players to play at the highest level. Unlike Mbappé, he does not have a private driver, but rather his mother, Denise, and sometimes his team-mate Vinicius Jr, who accompany him on his travels. The British midfielder joined Real Madrid in 2023 from Borussia Dortmund. At his first training session at Valdebebas, he surprised his team-mates by arriving in a taxi. His colleagues arrived in luxury cars.

Despite this, Bellingham does not seem to be bothered by the situation. His priority remains his development on the pitch. His mother plays a crucial role in managing his day-to-day life, enabling him to concentrate fully on his performances. Denise Bellingham also uses the BMW XM hybrid that the club lends to all its players.

For Mbappé, a private chauffeur meets all his needs. For Bellingham, her mother takes on this responsibility. These solutions allow them to avoid the hassle of driving and concentrate on their careers.

Endrick, a recent arrival at Real Madrid, has just taken his career to the next level. At just 18, the Auriverde striker did not want to follow in the footsteps of Mbappé and Bellingham, but those of his compatriots such as Vinicius Jr. Endrick has already obtained his driving licence. Similarly, Aurélien Tchouaméni drives around in his Lamborghini Urus.

Common reasons, a lack of need for Mbappé and Bellingham

The reason why Mbappé and Bellingham don’t have a licence is simple: they don’t need one. With their status and resources, these players benefit from personalised transport solutions. In Spain, where the two stars play, cars are not always essential, especially in a big city like Madrid. The transport infrastructure is well developed, and their schedules are so organised that they don’t have to manage their own journeys.

If we look at the statistics, fewer and fewer young people are taking their driving test. In Spain, of the 26.7 million drivers, only 1.63 million are aged between 18 and 24. There are a number of reasons for this, such as the high cost of driving lessons and the lack of demand in the major cities. However, Mbappé and Bellingham are exceptions. Most football players get their licence at a very young age. Their profession involves constant travel, and a car is often seen as a symbol of success.

Other cases of stars without a licence

Mbappé and Bellingham are not the only footballers not to drive. Brazilian Richarlison, who plays for Tottenham, is also struggling to get his licence. The language barrier prevents him from passing the theory test in England. ‘People think that because I’m a player I can’t take the train, I think it’s super normal, I feel like a free person,’ said the Brazilian Spurs striker in an article published by The Sun.

For his part, former Barcelona player Jordi Alba waited until he was 31 to get his licence. He confided that his driving skills were limited, which delayed the process. For Bellingham, language could also play a role. At 18, when he could have got his licence, he was living in Germany. Today, he lives in Spain and still has to master the language to tackle technical subjects such as the highway code.

One thing is certain: luxury cars are often associated with footballers. They symbolise their success and their lifestyle. However, Mbappé and Bellingham show that it is possible to be