Kylian Mbappé: The Prodigy that Divides the Legends of French Football

In the world of French football, where performances are scrutinized with the greatest attention, Kylian Mbappé’s trajectory sparks passionate debate. While fans follow his exploits with interest on 1win, the young French star continues to divide opinion, particularly among the former glories of French football.

The Contested Legacy of a Precocious Champion

At just 26, Kylian Mbappé already has a track record that commands respect: world champion, multiple domestic titles, and memorable performances such as his hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina. Yet this early success seems paradoxically to work against him in the minds of many French legends. Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has been particularly vocal in the criticism, claiming that Mbappé “doesn’t even come close to Jean-Pierre Papin” and that it is inappropriate to compare him to Thierry Henry.

This stance reflects a broader sentiment within the French football establishment, where Mbappé’s rapid and spectacular success is often viewed with skepticism. Interestingly, this reluctance is evident despite achievements that, for any other player, would likely have been celebrated without reservation. The comparison with legends like Zidane, Platini and Henry thus becomes a field of confrontation where respect for the past and recognition of the present are mixed.

Criticism and its Deep Motivations

The criticisms leveled at Mbappé are multiple and sometimes contradictory. Jérôme Rothen, a former French international turned commentator, points out a “lack of respect” in the player. Robert Pirès, 1998 world champion, maintains that Henry was “a more complete player”. These criticisms, often harsh, perhaps reveal more about their authors than their target.

Mbappé’s transition to Real Madrid has not eased these tensions. On the contrary, it seems to have exacerbated expectations and criticism. Even his performances, although regularly decisive, are analyzed with particular severity. The 5-2 defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup, despite his goal, was used as new ammunition by his detractors.

Intelligence: A Double-Edged Sword

One of Mbappé’s most fascinating characteristics is his intelligence, both on and off the pitch. However, this quality sometimes seems to work against him. His former teachers testify to a brilliant student but sometimes prone to taking the easy way out, an image that continues to haunt him. In an environment where simplicity is often valued, his ability to analyze and calculate his choices is sometimes perceived as arrogance or detachment. This intelligence, combined with his early success and his awareness of his value, creates a cocktail that seems difficult to accept for some historical figures of French football. The fact that he does not systematically seek the approval of former players or that he keeps a certain distance from the traditional star system of French football probably contributes to this situation.

The Challenge of Historical Legitimacy

The real challenge for Mbappé may not be so much a sporting one as a historical one. In the hierarchy of French football, the place of icons like Platini, Zidane or Henry seems untouchable. To claim it, Mbappé will not only have to continue to accumulate sporting successes, but also perhaps change the perception that people have of him.

Zinedine Zidane, one of the few legends to openly support Mbappé, predicts that he will surpass all French records. Michel Platini himself has spoken of Mbappé’s ability to “rise from the ashes”, an essential quality for true champions. But there is still a long way to go, and every misstep is scrutinized with particular attention.

The transition to Real Madrid represents perhaps the greatest test of his career. Having been criticized for “playing in the comfort zone of PSG for too long,” according to some observers like Guti, Mbappe must now prove his worth in an environment where expectations are even higher. This may be his best chance to silence his critics and begin to build his own legacy, regardless of comparisons to legends of the past.