Kylian Mbappe has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as a “footballing legend” and “one of a kind” as France prepares to face Portugal in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals in Hamburg on Friday.
The highly anticipated match not only pits two of Europe’s football powerhouses against each other but also features a captivating showdown between the teams’ captains. Mbappe, 25, who recently completed a move to Real Madrid where Ronaldo once starred, has long regarded the Portuguese veteran as his idol.
“Everyone knows just how much I admire Cristiano Ronaldo as a player,” Mbappe said during a pre-match press conference on Thursday. “Over time, I’ve been lucky to brush shoulders with him, to get to know and chat with him. We are still in contact. He is always helping me—he keeps up with what’s going on in my life and gives me tips. It’s an honor for me, especially considering what he has done for football worldwide. Regardless of what has happened before or what happens after, he will be a footballing legend.”
At 39, Ronaldo has announced this will be his last European Championship, adding an extra layer of significance to the encounter. When asked if he views the match as a “passing of the baton,” Mbappe was quick to dismiss the notion.
“No, I think he is one of a kind,” Mbappe responded. “There is only one Cristiano Ronaldo; there will only ever be one. I’m following my own path. My dream of playing at Real Madrid is becoming a reality. I hope that I will also be able to make my mark on football, but I’m not going to write the next chapter of Cristiano Ronaldo’s story. I hope I will be able to be one of a kind at Real Madrid and be completely different.”
Mbappe, who was the top scorer at the 2022 World Cup with eight goals, has found the net only once in three games at Euro 2024—from the penalty spot—as France struggles to regain its attacking prowess. Notably, no French player has scored from open play in the tournament so far, with the team’s other two goals being own-goals by their opponents.
The match has garnered significant attention worldwide, including in Asia, where football’s popularity continues to surge. Fans across the continent are eagerly anticipating this clash of titans, reflecting the global nature of the sport and its ability to unite diverse audiences.
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Mbappe praises 'legend' Ronaldo ahead of playing Portugal at Euro 2024
cgtn.com
