Kylian Mbappe is one of the most exceptional football players of our time, and his talent has taken the world by storm. He is known for his impressive speed, technical skills, and incredible sportsmanship. But what else do we know about the young and outstanding athlete? Here are ten fascinating facts about Kylian Mbappe that you need to know.
1. Kylian Mbappe is the youngest player since Pele to score in a World Cup final
Kylian Mbappe made history at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia by becoming the first teenager to score in a final since Pele. His goal helped France clinch their second World Cup title, cementing his place as one of the best young talents in football.
2. Mbappe is the only player to win the Kopa Trophy twice
The Kopa Trophy is an annual football award that honors the best player under the age of 21. Mbappe is the only player to have won the award twice, once in 2018 and again in 2019.
3. He is the second-most expensive transfer in football history
In 2018, Kylian Mbappe transferred from AS Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain for a whopping €145 million, making him the second-most expensive transfer in football history. Only his teammate Neymar Jr. is more expensive.
4. Mbappe donated his entire World Cup earnings to charity
Kylian Mbappe earned up to €22,500 per match during the 2018 World Cup, and he donated all of that money to the Premiers de Cordée charity. The organization aims to provide sporting opportunities to children with disabilities.
5. He was the first recipient of the Trophee Kopa award
In 2018, Mbappe won the first-ever Trophee Kopa award, which is given to the best player in the world under the age of 21.
6. He grew up idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo
Kylian Mbappe is a huge admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo and grew up watching his videos to improve his own game. In 2018, the two players faced each other in the Champions League, and Mbappe scored a brace against Ronaldo’s team, Real Madrid.
7. Mbappe is the youngest player to score two goals in a Champions League knockout game
When PSG faced Dortmund in the Champions League in 2020, Mbappe scored two goals and became the youngest player in tournament history to do so in a knockout game.
8. Mbappe has his own charity
Kylian Mbappe has his own charity, called the KM Foundation. The organization’s mission is to help underprivileged children, and it focuses on providing education and sports opportunities to disadvantaged youth.
9. He is the youngest player to reach 20 goals in Ligue 1 in 50 years
In the 2018-19 season, Mbappe became the youngest player in 50 years to reach 20 goals in Ligue 1, the highest level of French football.
10. Mbappe turned down Real Madrid to join PSG
In 2017, Kylian Mbappe turned down an offer from Real Madrid to join Paris Saint-Germain. He cited that his decision was based on the opportunity to play with his childhood idol, Neymar Jr.
In conclusion, Kylian Mbappe is an exceptional young athlete with a talent for football that has captivated the world. His speed, technical skills, and incredible sportsmanship have allowed him to achieve incredible things in a short period. These ten fascinating facts are just a glimpse into the life and career of one of the greatest players of our time.