Teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe did what Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi couldn't accomplish when he helped France grab the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The 19-year-old Mbappe scored four goals in the tournament which included a delicious goal in the Les Bleus' 4-2 win over Croatia in the World Cup final. Mbappe also became the first teenager to score in a final since Pele who accomplished such feat in 1958. The French forward also bagged the Young Player of the Tournament for his marvelous performance in Russia.
Before his stunning goal in the final, Mbappe also gave France an offensive boost in their previous games, by scoring twice against Argentina in the second round. Mbappe also scored against Peru in the Round of 16 to become France's youngest goalscorer at the age of 19 years and 183 days.
"I'm very happy. The road was long but it was worth it. We are proud to make the French happy. We had this role to help them forget all their problems. We play for that kind of thing," Mbappe said.
Prior to his incredible play in this year's tournament, Mbappe has been making a name for himself during his stint with Monaco in the Champions League. Mbappe is reportedly about to receive a hard-earned $350,000 in bonuses after helping France win the World Cup.
With their triumphant win, France became the second youngest team to ever win the World Cup with an average age of 25 years and 10 months. Besides Mbappe, among the young stars of the Les Bleus are Lucas Hernandez, Ousmane Dembele, Paul Pogba, and Benjamin Pavard. The 1970 Brazilian squad won the World Cup with an average age of 25 years and nine months.
Football Personalities Praise Mbappe
Former World Cup player Juergen Klinsmann who now works in BBC said that Mbappe has a big chance of becoming one of the greats in the game. The German coach added that Mbappe is set to shake up the market following a brilliant World Cup performance. Mbappe joined Paris Saint-Germain in a multi-million deal from Monaco.
"What impresses me most is that he is already a part of the French team that is like a family. He looks so comfortable in this side as if he's been playing in it for 10 years." Klinsmann said.
Erstwhile England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also sang praises for Mbappe, predicting that the PSG striker will win the Ballon d'Or in the near future. Ferdinand added that Mbappe's decision-making skills are really impressive for his age, citing that the French forward has maturity beyond his years.
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