There will never be another Cristiano Ronaldo-Said Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe has paid a heartfelt tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo as France prepares to face Portugal in what could be the last competitive encounter between the two football giants at Euro 2024. Mbappe, who has always admired Ronaldo and had posters of him on his bedroom walls growing up in Paris, acknowledges the profound impact Ronaldo has had on his own dreams and career aspirations.

Having idolized Ronaldo, Mbappe's lifelong dream of playing for Real Madrid is finally coming true this year as he completes his anticipated transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to the Bernabeu Stadium. This move signifies a changing of the guard among Europe’s elite footballers, spanning two generations.

"There will never be another Cristiano Ronaldo," said Mbappe. "He has shaped football, inspired generations, scored goals, and won cups. He has reinvented himself time and again. He is one of a kind."

Despite his admiration, Mbappe made it clear that he is not trying to emulate Ronaldo's legacy at Real Madrid but is focused on carving out his own path. "My dream to play for Real Madrid is becoming a reality. I hope to make my mark on football and be one of a kind at Real Madrid, but I am not writing the next chapter of his story," Mbappe remarked. He also expressed gratitude for the guidance Ronaldo has provided over the years, noting that they remain in contact.

As the two prepare to meet on the field, France's head coach Didier Deschamps emphasized Ronaldo's persistent threat despite his age. "He can score goals and be decisive. Even though a little older, he is still a highly competitive player," Deschamps stated. Ronaldo, now 39 and playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, is striving to extend his record by scoring in his sixth European Championship. Although he has faced challenges in front of goal during this tournament, Ronaldo's reputation as a formidable opponent remains intact.

Mbappe, too, faces his own hurdles. He suffered a broken nose in France's opener against Austria and has found the protective mask uncomfortable, scoring only once—a penalty against Poland. Yet, he remains cautious about underestimating Portugal’s talent. "Against a team like Portugal, it is dangerous to say one player is more dangerous than the others," he said, highlighting the prowess of players like Rafael Leao, Bruno Fernandes, and his former PSG teammates.

As the world watches, the upcoming clash between France and Portugal is more than just a match; it’s a symbolic passing of the torch, showcasing the enduring legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo and the burgeoning promise of Kylian Mbappe.