- Mbappe has never hidden his admiration for Ronaldo
- Ronaldo himself recognizes Mbappe's talent
- Ronaldo's journey was organic
A Young Fan’s Dream
A photo captures a teenage Kylian Mbappe, barely 14, at Real Madrid’s training ground. Zinedine Zidane, then sporting director, snaps a picture of the prodigy alongside his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappe, nervous, asks, “Should I take off my shoes?” – a gesture of respect towards the established star.
Eleven years later, Mbappe announces his move to Real Madrid. The picture he chooses for the announcement? The one from his youth, with him and Ronaldo. Ronaldo comments, “My turn to see, excited to see you light up the Bernabeu.” This simple interaction becomes the most-read comment on Instagram, symbolizing the passing of the torch from idol to his fan.
Always a Fanatic
Mbappe has never hidden his admiration for Ronaldo. He admits to imitating the Portuguese star’s gestures since childhood, his playing style heavily influenced by him. Ronaldo himself recognizes Mbappe’s talent, stating four years ago, “Mbappe is the future and the present.”
Clash of Generations
This Friday, at the Euro quarterfinals, a clash of generations unfolds. Mbappe, now 25, and Ronaldo, a veteran at 39, face off on opposite sides of the pitch. Their paths to the top differed – Ronaldo’s journey was organic, a young boy from Madeira with dreams of becoming a fisherman, finding solace and passion in street football.
