Kylian Mbappe has expressed his deep respect for Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of France’s crucial Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Portugal in Hamburg.
Mbappe, who captains France at 25 years old, shared his admiration for Ronaldo, whom he considers a childhood hero.
“It’s truly an honor for me. Everyone knows how much I’ve looked up to Cristiano,” Mbappe told reporters on the eve of the match.
During his upbringing, Mbappe famously adorned his bedroom walls with Ronaldo’s posters and had the chance to meet the Portuguese star at Real Madrid’s training ground when the Spanish club sought to sign him as a young teenager.
“Over time, I’ve had the privilege to get to know him. We still keep in touch, and he continues to follow my career,” Mbappe revealed.
Ronaldo, now 39 and currently playing club football in Saudi Arabia, has acknowledged that this European Championship might mark his final appearance, potentially setting up a poignant moment if Mbappe’s France ends Portugal’s campaign.
“It’s a tremendous honor, but what matters most is the game ahead and our focus on the future,” Mbappe added. He is poised to follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps by joining Real Madrid after the tournament in Germany.
“He’s undeniably a legend of the sport, but our goal is to win tomorrow and move closer to the final.”
