Kylian Mbappé: Aiming for Greatness Amidst Comparisons

Kylian Mbappé captured a global crown in 2018 at the age of just 19. He reached a second consecutive World Cup final in Qatar 2022, where he made history by scoring a hat-trick. Unfortunately, he faced heartbreak in the penalty shootout against Lionel Messi and Argentina.

Now 27 years old, Mbappé has established himself as the all-time leading scorer for Paris Saint-Germain, finding the back of the net 235 times. He is also closing in on Olivier Giroud’s record of 57 goals for the French national team.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mbappé will seek to secure more major accolades for both club and country. He has maintained outstanding individual performances since joining Real Madrid as a ‘Galactico’ in 2024.

When asked if Mbappé could be considered the greatest player in France’s history, 1998 World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf, speaking with BetVictor Online Casino, stated, “Definitely not. It is difficult to compare careers and eras. What Zidane achieved, including his conduct both on and off the pitch, sets him apart. Although Mbappé is a talented player, he has faced controversies that have affected public perception. Only time will tell if he can reach Zidane’s level.”

Leboeuf praised Mbappé, noting, “He is a great player and a smart individual. I’m proud of him, but there’s still more he can offer on the field. While he is a prolific finisher and a valuable asset to Real Madrid, I believe he should demonstrate more effort defensively and show his commitment to his teammates. In today’s game, statistics dominate the narrative, and Mbappé exemplifies modern football. I would like to see him push himself further.”

Mbappé’s pursuit of the coveted Ballon d’Or continues, having achieved a third-place finish in 2023. With legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer in contention, other players have emerged to challenge him.

On the topic of the Ballon d’Or, Leboeuf expressed skepticism, saying, “I don’t value the Ballon d’Or; it doesn’t necessarily reflect the best player. If Mbappé wins, it doesn’t mean he’s the best center-back—he’s certainly not good at that position! The award should be termed ‘Most Valuable Player.’ It’s better to have Mbappé on your team than any center-back, as he brings fans to the stadium.”

Despite his admiration for Mbappé, Leboeuf acknowledged the dominance of players like Rodri and Sergio Busquets, who contribute to the team’s overall success. He noted the importance of players who excel in both defensive and offensive roles, stating, “Without these crucial players, it’s challenging for strikers, including Mbappé and Erling Haaland, to gain recognition. They need to prioritize team success over individual accolades.”

As both Mbappé and Haaland continue to post impressive goal tallies at their respective clubs, they remain aware that achieving collective success will be vital for their recognition as the best players in the world.