Kilian Mbappe, the young French footballer, has taken the world by storm with his exceptional skills and performances on the field. At just 22 years old, he has already achieved numerous accolades and established himself as one of the best players in the world. With the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, all eyes will be on Mbappe to see if he can lead France to another triumph. In this article, we will delve into the rise of Kilian Mbappe and what we can expect from him in Euro 2024.
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Early Years
Born on December 20, 1998, in Bondy, a suburb of Paris, Kilian Mbappe grew up in a family of athletes. His father, Wilfried Mbappe, was a professional football coach, and his mother, Fayza Lamari, was a former handball player. Both his parents played a huge role in his development as a footballer, and their influence can be seen in his playing style.
Born on December 20, 1998, in Bondy, a suburb of Paris, Kylian Mbappe was raised in a family known for its athletic background
Mbappe showed an early interest in football, and at the age of six, he started playing for AS Bondy, a local club in his neighborhood. His talent was evident even at a young age, and he quickly caught the attention of scouts from top French clubs. However, it was at the age of 11 when he joined the youth academy of AS Monaco that his career started to take off.
Joining AS Monaco
In 2013, at just 14 years old, Mbappe joined the youth academy of AS Monaco with high hopes of becoming a professional footballer. He quickly impressed the coaches with his speed, technique, and finishing ability, which earned him a spot in the reserve team at the age of 16. In February 2016, he made his senior debut for AS Monaco, becoming the youngest player ever to play for the club in a competitive match.
Loan to Paris Saint-Germain
In 2017, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expressed interest in signing Mbappe, and after several negotiations, they agreed on a one-year loan deal with an option to buy for a record-breaking transfer fee. This move was seen as a bold statement by PSG to establish themselves as one of the top teams in Europe. Mbappe’s performance during his first season at PSG was outstanding, scoring 21 goals and providing 16 assists in all competitions.
Breakthrough at 2018 World Cup
Youngest French Player to Score in World Cup
Mbappe’s incredible form at PSG caught the attention of national team coach Didier Deschamps, and he was called up to the French squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. In their opening game against Australia, Mbappe became the youngest French player ever to score in a World Cup at 19 years and 183 days old. He also became the second-youngest player to score for France in a major tournament after the legendary Michel Platini.
Helping France Win the Trophy
Mbappe’s performance was crucial in France’s journey to the final of the World Cup, scoring four goals and providing four assists. In the final against Croatia, he scored the fourth goal for France, becoming the first teenager since Pele to score in a FIFA World Cup final. His speed, dribbling skills, and finishing ability were instrumental in France’s 4-2 victory, earning them their second World Cup trophy.
Named Best Young Player of the Tournament
Apart from winning the World Cup, Mbappe was also named the Best Young Player of the tournament, an award previously won by players like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. This achievement further solidified his place as one of the best young talents in world football.
Success at Paris Saint-Germain
Record-Breaking Transfer Fee
After his impressive performances at the 2018 World Cup, PSG exercised their option to buy Mbappe permanently, making him the second most expensive player in the world after his teammate, Neymar. The transfer fee of €180 million shattered the previous record set by Paul Pogba and showed just how highly PSG valued Mbappe.
Winning Multiple Trophies
Since joining PSG on a permanent deal, Mbappe has continued to shine and has helped the team win multiple trophies, including three consecutive Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France titles, and two Coupe de la Ligue titles. He has also formed a formidable attacking trio with Neymar and Edinson Cavani, terrorizing defenses with their pace, skill, and goalscoring abilities.
Mbappe has had a significant impact at PSG, solidifying his role as a crucial player in the team
Mbappe’s impact at PSG has been immense, and he has established himself as a key player in the team. Despite being just 22 years old, he has already scored over 100 goals for the club, becoming the youngest player to reach this milestone in the history of PSG. His performances have also earned him individual awards such as the Ligue 1 Player of the Year and the Golden Boot.
Potential Role in Euro 2024
Previous Performances for France
With Mbappe’s impressive performances for PSG and his crucial role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, there is no doubt that he will be a key player in the national team’s campaign in Euro 2024. In previous major tournaments, he has proven to perform under pressure and has shown his ability to score important goals. His pace and dribbling skills make him a nightmare for defenders, and his clinical finishing makes him a constant threat in front of goal.
Competition for Striker Position
One challenge that Mbappe may face in Euro 2024 is the competition for the striker position. With the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud also in the squad, the coach may have to make tough decisions on who will lead the attack. However, Mbappe’s versatility also allows him to play on the wings, and he can use his speed and dribbling to create chances for his teammates.
Pressure to Lead the Team
Being one of the best players in the world comes with immense pressure, and Mbappe will have to deal with high expectations from the fans and the media. The French team will also have the added pressure of defending their title, which will require strong leadership and teamwork. However, Mbappe has shown maturity beyond his years and has already proven his ability to handle pressure, making him a potential leader for the national team in Euro 2024.
Personal Life and Off-Field Impact
Apart from his achievements on the field, Mbappe has also made an impact off the field through his philanthropic work and influence on the younger generation.
In addition to his accomplishments in soccer, Mbappe has also made a difference outside the sport with his philanthropic efforts and influence on younger generations
Philanthropic Work
Mbappe’s success has allowed him to give back to his community, and he has been involved in numerous charitable projects. In 2018, he donated his entire World Cup bonuses to a charity organization that helps disabled and hospitalized children. He has also supported various causes such as providing free education for children in Africa and helping those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Influence on Younger Generation
Being a role model for young football fans, Mbappe understands the importance of using his platform to inspire and educate others. He has often spoken about his responsibility as a professional footballer and the impact he can have on younger generations. His humble nature and hard work serve as an inspiration to aspiring footballers around the world.
Social Media Presence
Mbappe’s popularity is not just limited to the football field but also extends to social media. With over 50 million followers on Instagram and Twitter combined, he has a massive following and uses his platforms to connect with his fans and share glimpses of his personal life. He also uses his social media presence to raise awareness about important issues and promote positivity.
Conclusion
Kilian Mbappe’s journey from a young boy playing in the streets of Paris to becoming one of the best players in the world is nothing short of remarkable. With his incredible skills, determination, and strong work ethic, he has achieved more than most players do in their entire career. As we look forward to Euro 2024, all eyes will be on Mbappe to see if he can continue his rise to greatness and lead France to another triumph. Whatever the outcome may be, there is no doubt that Kilian Mbappe will continue to leave a mark on the football world and inspire future generations.
