At Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappe is blossoming.
The France talisman has received numerous awards in the capital, but he could be wearing a new shirt next season.
On the occasion of his 23rd birthday, we take a look back at the superstar’s incredible career thus far and speculate on what lies ahead for the World Cup winner.
Expectations are high.
Mbappe has been a star since he was 16 years old, when he was a star for Monaco, when he won his first league title.
In the five years afterwards, he has received a lot of accolades, and his current manager, Mauricio Pochettino, has compared him to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Argentine said: “I have no doubts that Mbappe is at that level, that of Messi or Cristiano.
“It is a satisfaction to see him in each training session. It is clear that he is one of the great talents, he is present and future.
“He is clear about things and loves football. He is young, but has a very high maturity to manage these types of situations about his future.”
The former Spurs boss makes some good points — Mbappe is certainly the present, having outshone team-mate Messi with 30 goal contributions to the all-time great’s 11 this season.
But whether he is up to the standard of the perennial Ballon d’Or contenders in their prime is controversial as the hotshot has yet to prove himself outside of Ligue 1.
Despite racking up 116 strikes and 50 assists in 165 games in the French top flight, if Mbappe is to be compared to the greats he must continue to dominate for the best part of a decade.
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Champions League of his own
Mbappe’s record in the Champions League is incredible.
The 2017 Golden Boy winner became the youngest player to reach 30 goals in the European competition, stealing the record away from Messi.
At the age of 23, the Argentine assassin had only 21 goals in the Champions League and Ronaldo had a mere seven, highlighting the immense ability that Mbappe possesses.
Following PSG’s 4-1 demolition of Barcelona in February, Rio Ferdinand hailed the starlet, who had scored a hat-trick on the night.
The former England defender said: “Mbappe is the best player in the world, at the moment.
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“Given he’s won the World Cup, what he’s done in the French league and in the Champions League, he’s been immense.
“This guy is going to take over the throne from Messi and Ronaldo when they’re done with it.”
Mbappe lost out on a Champions League winners’ medal in 2020 when PSG were defeated by Bayern Munich in the final.
His side were also knocked out of the competition by Manchester City in last season’s semi-final — proving that Mbappe’s dominance alone will not be enough to win the prestigious trophy.
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Heading abroad?
Mbappe’s numbers speak for themselves — he has more goals in all competitions than both Messi and Ronaldo did by the time they turned 23.
But to really cement himself as an all-time great, Mbappe may have to venture into unknown territory.
The trickster has won all he can domestically in France — four league titles, three French cups and three Super Cups.
Champions League glory is all that alludes Mbappe, and he may not be able to succeed at his current club.
Success in Europe’s elite competition will be at the forefront of the youngster’s mind having already won the World Cup and Nations League with France.
His contract expires in the summer, with the forward able to talk to foreign clubs from January 1.
A project at the likes of Real Madrid or Barcelona could see Mbappe pursue his European dream across the border from his current club.
His achievements to date are remarkable, with 14 trophies already to his name as a senior player.
Should he continue to consistently deliver on the big stage, Mbappe should find himself holding a Ballon d’Or before too long.
