Kylian Mbappe, once a young admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo, will face his idol on Friday as France takes on Portugal in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
This match in Hamburg is more than just a clash between two national teams; it’s a showdown between two of football’s most celebrated stars. Mbappe and Ronaldo have met on the pitch before, most notably in the 2017-18 Champions League Round of 16, where Ronaldo’s Real Madrid defeated Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain 5-2 on aggregate. Ronaldo went on to secure his fourth and final Champions League trophy with Madrid that season.
Mbappe, who was not part of the senior France squad during the Euro 2016 final loss to Portugal, also witnessed Ronaldo’s impact in the Euro 2020 group stages, where he scored twice in a 2-2 draw to help Portugal advance to the knockout rounds.
In contrast to their previous encounters, this game has a new dynamic. Back in 2018, Mbappe was a 19-year-old prospect on loan from Monaco. Now, at 25, he is widely regarded as one of the world’s best players and carries the hopes of France for their first European title since 2000.
Mbappe is set to join Real Madrid this summer, expected to become the central figure at the club, much like Ronaldo was in his prime. Despite playing his club football in Saudi Arabia now, the 39-year-old Ronaldo remains a pivotal player for Portugal.
Ronaldo’s performance in the last-16 match against Slovenia included missed free-kicks, a saved penalty, and an emotional reaction. However, he successfully converted a crucial penalty in the shootout, while goalkeeper Diogo Costa took the spotlight with three successive saves.
Mbappe expressed his admiration for Ronaldo, saying, “It’s an honour to play against Cristiano Ronaldo as France prepares to take on Portugal in their Euro 2024 quarter-final.” He acknowledged the influence Ronaldo has had on him, noting, “Over time, I’ve had the chance to get to know him and talk to him many times. We’re still in touch.”
Ronaldo has indicated that this will be his last European Championship, marking the match as a symbolic “handover” between two football greats. However, Mbappe is clear about forging his own path at Real Madrid, stating, “There will only be one Ronaldo. What he did in Madrid is unique.”
Reflecting on Ronaldo’s legacy, Mbappe added, “He left his mark on the history of football. He inspired generations. He has scored many goals and won many titles. So his CV speaks for itself.”
As these two football titans prepare to face each other, the world watches to see if Mbappe can lead France to victory or if Ronaldo can once again rise to the occasion for Portugal.
