Kylian Mbappé’s ascent in the world of football is nothing short of awe-inspiring. From his early days with AS Monaco to becoming a global sensation with Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, his journey has been marked by a remarkable collection of trophies and individual awards. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the chapters of his career, the glittering titles he’s achieved, and the accolades that have rightfully labeled him as one of the brightest stars in the football galaxy.
Early Life
Kylian Mbappé Lottin was born on December 20, 1998, in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, and he grew up in Bondy, located in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, specifically in Seine-Saint-Denis. His father, Wilfrid, originally hails from Cameroon, and not only serves as his agent but is also a football coach. His mother, Fayza Lamari, has Algerian Kabyle roots and was a former handball player. Kylian has a younger brother, Ethan, who is actively involved in the Paris Saint-Germain Academy. Additionally, their older adoptive brother, Jirès Kembo Ekoko, had a career as a professional footballer.
During his childhood, Mbappé attended a private Catholic school in Bondy, where his academic prowess was evident, though he was occasionally unruly. At the age of 15, he embarked on Spanish lessons, ultimately achieving fluency in the language. Growing up, Mbappé looked up to football legends such as Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazario, Eden Hazard, and Thierry Henry. Interestingly, he received Robinho’s AC Milan shirt as a gift from his nanny’s family, who were ardent supporters of the Italian club. However, his childhood dreams revolved around playing for Real Madrid.
Club Career
Early Years and AS Bondy
Kylian Mbappé’s journey in football began at a young age. His father, Wilfrid, served as his coach at AS Bondy, where his exceptional talent was evident from the start.
Exceptional Talent
At just six years old, it was clear that Kylian possessed something special. His dribbling was fantastic, and he displayed remarkable speed, making him stand out among his peers. Antonio Riccardi, one of his youth coaches, described him as the best player he had seen in 15 years of coaching in Paris. Kylian was often referred to as a “crack,” signifying his status as the best.
Academic Prowess
Despite his impressive football abilities, Kylian had a strong educational background. He attended a private Catholic school in Bondy, where his academic prowess was evident, although he occasionally exhibited unruly behavior.
Football Idols
Kylian looked up to some of the greatest names in football, including Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazario, Eden Hazard, and Thierry Henry.
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Monaco: The Next Step
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In 2013, at the age of 14, Kylian made a significant move to the youth academy of AS Monaco, signing a three-year contract. His choice of Monaco over Real Madrid was notable, considering Zinedine Zidane’s strong interest in him.
Rapid Rise at Monaco
The 2015-16 season marked Kylian’s rapid development. He made his first-team debut for Monaco at just 16 years and 347 days old, breaking Thierry Henry’s previous record as Monaco’s youngest-ever first-team player. He went on to set more records by becoming Monaco’s youngest first-team goalscorer.
Professional Contract
In March 2016, he signed his first professional contract with Monaco, a three-year deal, tying him to the club until June 2019. His early performances had already marked him as a “phenomenon,” according to Vadim Vasilyev, AS Monaco’s vice-president.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG): A World-Record Transfer
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In August 2017, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) made a world-record transfer signing by acquiring Mbappé from Monaco. His performance in the Champions League and Ligue 1 continued to shine, and he won the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award in 2019.
Continued Dominance at PSG
Mbappé remained dominant in the 2019-20 season, helping PSG secure domestic titles and advancing to the Champions League final, where they lost to Bayern Munich.
Milestones and Records
In the following season, he continued his prolific goal-scoring form and reached milestones such as becoming PSG’s third-highest scorer and reaching his 100th league goal.
Contract Extension and Highest-Paid Player
In 2022, despite transfer rumors, Mbappé signed a contract extension with PSG, becoming the highest-paid player in the world.
2022-23 Season: Prolific Scoring
In the 2022-23 season, Mbappé once again demonstrated his scoring prowess, setting records for PSG and continuing as the top scorer in Ligue 1.
Contract Uncertainty
However, in June 2023, Mbappé announced that he would not renew his contract with PSG, sparking rumors of a possible departure, although he later clarified his intention to continue with the club. Discussions ensued, and Mbappé eventually returned to the first team for the 2023-24 season, reaffirming his incredible goal-scoring ability with PSG.
2023-24 Season: All-Time PSG Top Scorer
This season has seen Mbappé continue his incredible goal-scoring streak, demonstrating his commitment to the club. His incredible feats on the field, including scoring his 200th goal for PSG, cemented his status as one of the brightest stars in the world of football.
A Journey of Talent and Uncertainty
Mbappé’s journey in football is marked by remarkable talent, records, and moments of uncertainty, making him one of the most compelling and sought-after players in the world. His story continues to unfold, captivating football fans and enthusiasts around the globe.
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International Career
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2014–2018: Youth Level and Senior Debut
In July 2016, Kylian Mbappé showcased his exceptional talent by scoring five goals for France during the 2016 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. Notably, his two crucial goals in the semi-final against Portugal helped secure a place in the final. Mbappé’s performance earned him a spot in the competition’s Team of the Tournament.
The young prodigy received his first call-up to the senior France squad in March 2017, for matches against Luxembourg and Spain. On March 25, he made his senior debut at just 18 years and three months old, becoming the second-youngest French player to ever represent his country. A notable milestone occurred on August 31, 2017, when Mbappé scored his first senior international goal against the Netherlands in a 2018 World Cup qualification match. His excellence continued as he netted twice in a friendly against Russia in March 2018.
2018–2021: FIFA World Cup Triumph
Kylian Mbappé’s ascent continued as he was called up to the French national squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. On June 21, 2018, he etched his name in history by scoring his first World Cup goal in France’s victory over Peru, becoming the youngest French goalscorer in World Cup history at the age of 19. Later, on June 30, 2018, he starred in a thrilling match against Argentina in the round of 16, earning the Man of the Match award. He won a penalty, scored twice, and became the second teenager after Pelé in 1958 to score two goals in a World Cup game.
In the 2018 World Cup final against Croatia, Mbappé secured his place in football history by scoring a remarkable 25-yard strike, contributing to France’s 4-2 victory. With a total of four goals in the tournament, he earned the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award and the admiration of football legend Pelé.
On June 11, 2019, Mbappé celebrated a significant career milestone by scoring his 100th career goal in a Euro 2020 qualifying match against Andorra. In September 2020, he scored a crucial goal against Sweden in the UEFA Nations League. Despite a brief setback due to a positive COVID-19 test, he quickly bounced back, contributing goals and assists to secure France’s position in the 2021 UEFA Nations League Finals
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UEFA Euro 2020 and 2021–2023: Continued Success
Mbappé’s journey extended to the delayed UEFA Euro 2020, where he displayed his prowess with both goals and assists. Although some of his contributions were ruled offside, his impact on the field was undeniable. In a match against Germany, he scored a goal and assisted another.
In October 2021, during the Nations League semi-final, Mbappé demonstrated his leadership skills by assisting a goal and scoring one from the penalty spot, helping France defeat Belgium. A few days later, he once again played a pivotal role by setting up a goal and scoring the match-winning goal in the final against Spain. With a total of two goals and two assists in the Nations League Finals, Mbappé received the coveted Golden Boot.
The forward continued to shine in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, notably scoring four goals in a single game against Kazakhstan. His exceptional hat-trick in that match was a historic feat, marking the first competitive hat-trick for France in many years.
As France kicked off their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar, Mbappé showcased his abilities with involvement in several goals against Australia and a brace in the victory over Denmark. His performances broke the “World Cup Champions’ Curse.”
Despite the heartbreak of losing in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina, Mbappé left a lasting impact by scoring a memorable hat-trick in the game. His remarkable achievements during the tournament included securing the Golden Boot with eight goals and becoming the sixth all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history, tied with Pelé. His hat-trick was the first in a men’s final since 1966.
2023–Present: Taking the Captain’s Armband
In a significant development, following Hugo Lloris’ international retirement, manager Didier Deschamps named Kylian Mbappé as the new captain of France in March 2023. In his debut match as captain, he led France to a resounding 4-0 victory over the Netherlands, contributing with both an assist and a brace. This success marked his 40th goal for Les Bleus and made him the youngest player to reach 70 appearances for France, underlining his leadership both on and off the field.
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Player Profile
Style of Play: Versatile and Dynamic
Kylian Mbappé boasts a versatile style of play that showcases his adaptability on the field. Primarily, he takes on the role of a forward, often operating as a winger. What sets him apart is his remarkable proficiency with both feet, granting him the ability to flourish on either flank. When positioned on the left wing, he adeptly cuts into the center onto his stronger right foot, demonstrating composure and clinical finishing. Conversely, when stationed on the right, his vision and creativity come to the forefront as he creates chances and provides crucial assists for teammates.
Mbappé’s skills are multifaceted, reflecting his status as a highly skillful player. His dribbling ability is one of his standout features, enhanced by explosive acceleration, agility, quick feet, and a precise first touch. He excels in link-up play, often displaying creativity when in possession of the ball. His arsenal of moves includes elaborate feints such as step overs and sudden changes of pace or direction, making him a formidable force in one-on-one situations. Furthermore, his mastery of pace and close ball control during high-speed dribbles is truly exceptional.
Strategically, Mbappé’s tactical intelligence shines through, enabling him to make well-timed runs both on and off the ball. This aptitude to stretch opposing defenses makes him a potent offensive threat, particularly in the context of counter-attacks.
Comparisons and Recognition
During the early stages of his career, Kylian Mbappé garnered comparisons to football legends. Renowned manager Arsène Wenger noted his immense talent and likened his qualities to those of Thierry Henry, a true football icon. The remarkable performances that he delivered for France during the 2018 World Cup catapulted him into the conversation with greats like Pelé, as acknowledged by the media.
Former French international Nicolas Anelka remarked on Mbappé’s ability to take on defenses, drawing parallels to Ronaldo’s exceptional displays during the 1996 Olympics. Anelka identified Mbappé as a “world-class player” with the characteristics of a true football luminary.
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Reception: Among the Best in the World
Kylian Mbappé’s impact on the footballing world has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since the era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s dominance, he has emerged as one of the most prominent figures in the sport. Many consider him not just one of the best players of his generation but arguably the very best.
His collection of individual and team achievements, combined with his exceptional development, has garnered him immense admiration. Former French international Rio Mavuba mused that had Mbappé won the 2022 World Cup, he might have secured a place as the best French player in history. Media outlets, including Fox Sports, have hailed him as one of the “World Cup’s all-time greats” and even “the best player in the world.”
Mbappé’s exceptional speed has led to his recognition as the fastest player globally, as acknowledged by French newspaper Le Figaro. Eminent players, including Dutch international Stefan de Vrij, have named him as their most challenging opponent, even surpassing his childhood idol Cristiano Ronaldo.
In 2018, he held the distinction of being the world’s most expensive player from a transfer value perspective, according to CIES. His consistently stellar performances for both his club and the national team have resulted in his nomination for the prestigious Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, both in 2019 and 2023.
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Personal Life
Kylian Mbappé: The Committed Christian and Global Icon
Kylian Mbappé, the renowned football sensation, is not only celebrated for his skills on the pitch but is also a devoted Christian. In a revealing insight into his life, Mbappé shared his journey of sacrifice and dedication in a 2018 interview with Time magazine. He spoke of the sacrifices he made as a teenager, a period when most young people experience what’s considered “normal” adolescent life, involving outings with friends and carefree moments. For Mbappé, these were the sacrifices he willingly embraced to wholeheartedly focus on his football development. He stated that he didn’t have the chance to enjoy those typical teenage experiences. However, the unwavering commitment to his football dreams ensured that he was “living the life he always dreamed of.”
Beyond his football accomplishments, Kylian Mbappé has become a global icon, evidenced by his remarkable social media presence. Just a little over four years after his professional debut, he had amassed a staggering following of over 50 million on Instagram. A evidence to his enduring popularity and global reach, as of 2023, Mbappé boasts over 100 million followers on this social media platform. In light of his immense fame, Mbappé acknowledged that his life had been “totally turned upside down” since he first stepped into the spotlight. Despite the transformative nature of his fame, he expressed his contentment, firmly attesting that he is indeed “happy.”
Remarkably, Kylian Mbappé possesses language versatility, being fluent in French, English, and Spanish. This linguistic prowess undoubtedly enhances his ability to connect with fans and share his experiences with a broader, multicultural audience, further solidifying his status as a global sports icon.
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Honours
Kylian Mbappé: A Trophy-Filled Career and Endless Accolades
Kylian Mbappé’s career has been nothing short of remarkable, earning him a place among football’s elite with a multitude of titles and individual honors. Let’s delve into the trophies and awards that adorn his impressive journey.
Monaco
Ligue 1: 2016–17
Coupe de la Ligue runner-up: 2016–17
Paris Saint-Germain
Ligue 1: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2021–22, 2022–23
Coupe de France: 2017–18, 2019–20, 2020–21
Coupe de la Ligue: 2017–18, 2019–20
Trophée des Champions: 2019, 2020
UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2019–20
France U19
UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2016
France
FIFA World Cup: 2018 (Champion); 2022 (Runner-up)
UEFA Nations League: 2020–21 (Champion)
Individual Honors and Awards
UEFA European Under-19 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2016
Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year: 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19
UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year: Multiple selections
UNFP Player of the Month: Numerous awards
UEFA Champions League Team of the Season: Multiple selections
FIFA FIFPRO World 11: 2018, 2019, 2022
Golden Boy: 2017
FIFA World Cup Golden Boot: 2022
FIFA World Cup Silver Ball: 2022
FIFA World Cup Young Player Award: 2018
FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2018
Kopa Trophy: 2018
IFFHS Men’s World Team: 2018, 2021, 2022
IFFHS World’s Best Top Goal Scorer: 2022
French Player of the Year: 2018, 2019, 2022
UEFA Team of the Year: 2018
ESM Team of the Year: 2022–23
Ligue 1 top goalscorer: Multiple seasons
Ligue 1 top assist provider: 2021–22
Globe Soccer Best Player of the Year: 2021
Onze de Bronze: 2019
UEFA Nations League Finals Golden Boot: 2021
Orders
Knight of the Legion of Honour: 2018
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappé’s legacy in football is already etched in history. His relentless pursuit of excellence, on both the club and international stages, has been celebrated with a multitude of titles. The shelves adorned with trophies and awards are evidence to his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication. As we continue to witness his extraordinary journey, there’s little doubt that Kylian Mbappé’s star will continue to shine brightly in the footballing universe, leaving an indelible mark for generations to come.