Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s time dominating football as the best players in the world is coming to an end. Both players are in their mid to late 30s, and in Ronaldo’s case, he’s already out of European football.
The next generation is ready to take over, and Kylian Mbappe appears to be the player to be eyeing that No. 1 player in the world status. Former player Luis Figo believes the 24-year-old can become number one if he continues his efforts.
“Mbappé is playing for one of the biggest clubs, so he will have the opportunity to win trophies with his team, which will allow him to have more chances of obtaining individual awards,” Figo told beIN Sports (h/t Paris Fans).
“I think that in the future, depending on his willingness to work and his sacrifices, he has every chance for me to be No. 1.”
Mbappe has respect for his peers, including one player he might be fighting for that No. 1 spot, Erling Haaland. The Manchester City star revealed his admiration for the France international.
“There are so many good players and Kylian is one of them,” Haaland said. “He is so strong! He’s an incredible player. He’s so fast and so strong and has been doing it for so many years.
“So what does he have? Two years older than me. That’s crazy. Sometimes you have to tell yourself that he still has 10 years left to play at the highest level. He is phenomenal.”
The PSG star already has a FIFA World Cup under his belt and nearly had a second one. Nonetheless, Mbappe now needs to add a UEFA Champions League trophy and Olympic gold medal to his cabinet as he enters the prime of his career.
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