There are, however, some exceptions.
The great champions criticize Mbappé
Even the calm Lizarazu, world and European champion, said that Kilian no longer frightens his opponents. Not as bold and explosive as in his youth. But for a number of legends, Mbappé is the main irritant. Kylian is not loved at home, despite two finals World Cup behind your shoulders. Patrice Evra, former player Manchester Unitedwas furious when he learned that the striker was ranked above the legends of the past. The former left-back believes that Kylian has not matured enough to be compared to the French favourites:
Mbappé is considered one of the best in the world, if not the best football player. And he doesn’t even reach Papin’s ankle. And never compare Kilian to Henri. You created that image yourself. I think Mbappé talks too much. Have you seen Henri’s game? Don’t put people on a pedestal who don’t belong there.
But every footballer of our time is a product of advertising. Mbappé is not the most eloquent. He doesn’t have the worst reputation. Also, no one puts Kylian on a pedestal yet, because there is Zidane, Platini and Henry. Two winners of the Ballon d’Or series, and Thierry is not far behind. It is too early for Mbappé to be ahead of them. But he is already a world champion. Kylian also scored three goals against Argentina in the last World Cup final, one of the best matches in football history. It seems that many people have short memories.
They confuse the assessment of Mbappé’s departure period at Real Madrid, a rather productive and controversial debut, with the choice of his place in football history. For his age, and Kylian is only 26, the Frenchman has accomplished a lot. The French striker is 11 years younger than Messi. He has plenty of time to overtake Thierry Henry. But here and now, we should instead talk about the popularity of Mbappé’s critical football opinions. The attacker grew up and lost the golden part of the prodigy.
Dislike for Kilian often blinds
Sometimes the critics do not feel the limits, and then we simply see a desire to please the French public, who initially do not like Mbappé for his origins. Former France team player Roten not only likes to scold, but also crucify players, teams and coaches. Here’s what Jérôme said about Mbappé last summer:
Kilian has a deficit of respect. When you place yourself in the category of the best players in the world, you have to be able to treat your opponents, your teammates and your supporters normally. We must fight for our teammates, our country and our club. I think Mbappé will betray us in everything. Throughout the season I have been terrible at interacting with the world and attitude towards work. I am very angry with him.
Already when Kylian became Real’s striker, Roten argued that the problem was not with tactics or position, but with Mbappé himself. But even if they ask about Kylian not such severe experts, but Robert Pires, then comparing Kylian with the legends, the former musketeer of Cardinal Wenger easily chooses his side. Here is the opinion of the world, European and English champion:
For me, Henry is better than Mbappé. I like Kylian, but Thierry was a more complete player.
We agree that Henry, as an adult, has walked the line between left winger and center forward more successfully than Mbappé has yet been able to do. But when Kilian is in the mood, it’s hard to stop him. The footballer has incredible data. The only problem is that in his youth the striker of Monaco and the French team left the impression of being the heir of the Brazilian Ronaldo, but now he often has pale or average games. Even when he scored against Barcelona, he lost 2:5 in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Cantona sang “Don’t cry, Argentina” in 2018 when Messi was knocked out by Mbappé in the World Cup round of 16. But now Leboeuf, Pires, Petit, Evra and many others have been criticizing Kylian for a year. There has often been talk of a loss of concentration due to the transfer to Real Madrid. About the poor performance at Euro 2024. They did not understand the vacation in Stockholm when the footballer’s injury was announced. Deschamps was also affected by public criticism. Mbappé ended up missing matches for the France team by decision of the coach.
Mbappé is no friend of French legends
Political technologists joke that it’s easier to win municipal elections with a guinea pig candidate than with a smart person. Something is keeping the crowd away from reasonable people. As a child, Kilian had great intelligence. But teachers say Mbappé was incredibly lazy in his studies and constantly tried to cheat. There is a famous video where Kilian is pulled by the ear by a teacher. It turns out that Mbappé is now smart, successful and talented. Three reasons not to like legends.
He makes it too easy. Kilian has become calculated. He will have to earn his place in the hierarchy of French football on the pitch. So far, few people will put Mbappé in the top three. That is probably true. Raymond Kopa was a great champion at Real Madrid. Thuram played brilliantly, an incredibly stable defender. Griezmann is underrated. Although Antoine himself will certainly not put himself above Mbappé. I tested Kilian’s talent when they played together successfully for the French team.
But many are rightly afraid that money and fame will not spoil football. He feels sorrow in his mind. We must be simpler. Kylian, who loved football rather than money and trophies, was more appreciated by the world. Sometimes, the Ninja Turtle succeeds. Mbappé responded sincerely to the 28th cup of Modric’s career. He joked that Luka had more trophies than Kilian had years. It is difficult for him to make friends in football; Kylian is unlikely to become the favourite of former footballers.
To be congratulated often requires bows in return, and Mbappe does not do them. The crafty Kilian is clearly not appreciated in France. But if Kylian wants to confirm Zidane’s bet, who believes that the striker will bypass all French players before the end of his career, then he needs to wake up. Platini said he believes Mbappe can rise from the ashes. That is what great champions do. But if he makes a mistake, the critics will come back. Besides, Evra was not the toughest.
World champion Emmanuel Petit blasts Kylian for whining during his final season PSG. Former Real Madrid stars also have sharp tongues. Guti said Mbappé is not doing well, he is timid on the pitch, he is not a leader and he is cowardly in decisive matches. PSG was a “soap bubble” and the real test has only just begun. Henry and Zidane played in big championships and won. Platini became the king of club football with Juventus. Mbappé sat behind the sheikhs’ backs, and now he is faced with reality.
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