Mbappé:
Kylian Mbappé has established himself as one of football’s most electrifying talents, captivating fans worldwide with his pace, skill, and goal-scoring prowess. From breaking onto the scene as a teenager to achieving milestones on the grandest stages, his career has been filled with spectacular moments that have cemented his status as a global icon. Here, we revisit the top 10 career highlights of Kylian Mbappé that have defined his journey to football stardom.
1. Breakthrough with AS Monaco (2016–17 Season)
Kylian Mbappé announced himself to the footballing world during the 2016–17 season with AS Monaco. As a teenager, he played a crucial role in leading the team to their first Ligue 1 title in 17 years, scoring 15 goals in 29 league appearances. His stunning performances in the UEFA Champions League saw him score six goals in nine matches, helping Monaco reach the semi-finals. This breakout season not only showcased his blistering pace and composure in front of goal but also established him as one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
2. Signing with Paris Saint-Germain (2017)
In August 2017, Mbappé made a high-profile move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), initially on loan with a transfer fee of €180 million to be paid later, making him the second most expensive player in history. His debut season with PSG was nothing short of spectacular, as he formed a formidable attacking trio with Neymar and Edinson Cavani. Mbappé’s speed, technical skills, and clinical finishing made him an instant fan favorite at the Parc des Princes, and he played a significant role in helping the club secure a domestic treble.
3. World Cup Glory with France (2018)
The 2018 FIFA World Cup was Mbappé’s crowning achievement. At just 19 years old, he became the youngest French player to score at a World Cup and the first teenager since Pelé in 1958 to score in a World Cup final. His four goals in the tournament, including a stunning strike in the 4-2 final victory over Croatia, earned him the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award.
4. Record-Breaking Ligue 1 Season (2018–19)
The 2018–19 season saw Mbappé take his game to another level, scoring 33 goals in Ligue 1 and becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat. His goals helped PSG secure the Ligue 1 title once again. With Neymar sidelined for much of the campaign, Mbappé took on more responsibility, leading the line and delivering consistently. His pace and goal-scoring ability made him the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, as he continued to shatter records and earn plaudits for his performances.
5. First Hat-Trick for PSG in the Champions League (2019)
Mbappé’s first Champions League hat-trick for PSG came in October 2019 during a 5-0 rout of Club Brugge. Coming on as a substitute in the 52nd minute, he scored three goals and assisted another in just 22 minutes, showcasing his extraordinary ability to change the course of a match. This display of ruthlessness in front of goal marked another significant milestone in his young career and highlighted his knack for delivering in big games.
6. 100 Goals for PSG (2020)
In December 2020, Mbappé reached the landmark of 100 goals for PSG, becoming the youngest player to achieve this feat for the club at just 21 years of age. His goal-scoring record is a testament to his consistency and ability to perform at the highest level from a young age. Reaching 100 goals not only solidified his place in PSG history but also placed him among the elite goal-scorers in French football.
7. Leading PSG to the Champions League Final (2020)
In the 2019–20 UEFA Champions League season, Mbappé played a pivotal role in leading PSG to their first-ever Champions League final. His pace, vision, and link-up play with Neymar were instrumental as PSG navigated their way through the knockout stages. Although PSG lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in the final, Mbappé’s performances throughout the tournament further solidified his reputation as one of the world’s top players.
8. Stunning Performance Against Barcelona (2021)
Mbappé’s hat-trick against FC Barcelona in the first leg of the 2020–21 Champions League Round of 16 was a defining moment. He delivered a masterclass at the Camp Nou, scoring three goals in PSG’s 4-1 victory, becoming only the third player in history to score a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Champions League. His electric pace and clinical finishing dismantled Barcelona’s defense, signaling a shift in European football as the torch appeared to be passing from Lionel Messi to the young Frenchman.
9. Winning the Nations League with France (2021)
Adding to his international accolades, Mbappé helped France clinch the UEFA Nations League title in 2021. He scored the decisive goal in the final against Spain, showing his knack for rising to the occasion on the biggest stages.
10. Overtaking Zlatan Ibrahimović’s Goal Record at PSG (2022)
In January 2022, Mbappé surpassed Zlatan Ibrahimović’s goal tally of 156 goals for PSG, becoming the club’s second-highest goal-scorer of all time behind Edinson Cavani. At just 23 years old, Mbappé’s remarkable goal-scoring exploits continued to push him toward even more illustrious achievements. His ability to find the back of the net with such frequency at a young age has solidified his status as a true phenomenon in the modern era.
