This World Cup was built up to be the tournament where Neymar would justify his hefty price-tag and Ronaldo and Messi would battle it out to define which player will pick up that sixth Ballon d’Or. Instead, a new star has shot into focus, a 19-year-old that became the first teenager to score in a World Cup final since the legendary Pele. That star is Kylian Mbappe, PSG’s French forward, who may now be on Real Madrid’s radar to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mbappe was phenomenal against Argentina
Mbappe had some outstanding displays in the tournament, with one of his highlights being the brace against Argentina that sent Messi and his team home. Mbappe also scored when it mattered in the final, to put France 4-1 ahead before Croatia pulled one back to make it 4-2. At 19, he has the world at his feet and he looked completely unfazed on the greatest football stage.
Mbappe wins Best Young Footballer World Cup 2018
It was no surprise that he was named Best Young Footballer when the awards were announced. He has been instrumental in France’s path to winning the World Cup and this could be the start of a very special career. With both Messi and Ronaldo now in their 30s, it is the right time for a younger player to come through and shine.
Mbappe could well be the next player to dominate football but whether he will do that at PSG or elsewhere remains up in the air. It is very hard for any player to turn down Real Madrid or Barcelona, so if the La Liga giants come calling, Mbappe could be swapping France for Spain to play his club football.
Where next for Mbappe?
One good World Cup tournament does not make a legend but it can be a stepping-stone for further success. Mbappe has not just appeared overnight either; he has been performing well in Ligue 1, where he shot to fame at Monaco before PSG made their move for him. Now it looks as though his journey will continue in a very positive direction, perhaps taking over from Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid.
