Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé first met on a scouting tour 12 years ago; Ronaldo was the Real Madrid star and Mbappé was an unknown kid from Paris. On Friday in Hamburg, they will meet again when France face Portugal in Euro 2024 Quarterfinals. Ahead of the clash, now captain of the Les Bleus, Kylian Mbappe, feels it will be “an honour” to play against Cristiano Ronaldo in the European Championship.
“It’s a pleasure. To play against him is an honour for everything he did in football.’ said Mbappe ahead of Portugal in Euro 2024.
‘Work until your inspiration becomes your competition’
Mbappé is now the new face of Real Madrid, while Ronaldo is nearing the conclusion of his era of excellence, which includes victory at the Bernabéu, which Mbappé can only aspire to surpass. Ronaldo, 39, is nearing the end of his career as European football’s most recognisable global star. Mbappe is one of the candidates to take over.
The prospect of this encounter possibly marking their final clash is not lost on Mbappé, who views it as a privilege to compete against his longtime inspiration. “No matter what happened before or what happens after, he’ll always be a legend of the game,” Mbappé affirmed. Yet, the French forward is resolute in his ambition to progress further in the tournament, emphasizing, “But of course we hope to win tomorrow and reach the semi-finals.”
Twist of fate
Call it a twist of fate or whatever it’s possible that Mbappe, who has been vocal about his admiration for Ronaldo, may have a role in terminating a segment of his hero’s career. Ronaldo has stated that if Portugal loses to France in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, it will be his final appearance in a European Championship.
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