Kylian Mbappe is the ‘nearest thing we’ve seen’ to the legendary Ronaldo Nazario, says an awestruck Rio Ferdinand.
Mbappe has the chance to add to his glowering reputation on Sunday by lifting the Champions League trophy for the first time in his young career.
The 21-year-old has already won 10 major pieces of silverware, including four Ligue 1 titles and a World Cup. It’s more than what many of his peers have or ever will achieve. Now, this weekend’s final gives Mbappe the opportunity to claim the only one that’s eluded him so far.
He didn’t have his best game against RB Leipzig in Tuesday’s semi-final clash, though. The Paris Saint-Germain striker only showed flashes of his usual brilliance after returning to the line-up following an ankle injury.
But his intervention wasn’t required as Marquinhos, Angel Di Maria and Juan Bernat goals sealed PSG a 3-0 win, and a spot in the Champions League final for the first time in history.
– Aged 19: Kylian Mbappé wins the World Cup with France
– Aged 21: Kylian Mbappé reaches the Champions League final with PSG
We are witnessing the rise of a superstar 🤩#Club2020 pic.twitter.com/6Us1JkOsTd
— Football on BT Sport #Club2020 (@btsportfootball) August 18, 2020
Nevertheless, Ferdinand was impressed and favorably compared Mbappe to Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
The former Manchester United defender even stated that only his former teammate Michael Owen had made a similar impact in football as a teenager when he emerged at Liverpool in the late 90s.
“He’s the nearest thing we’ve seen to Ronaldo,” Ferdinand said on BT Sport. “In terms of impact on the world scene as a teenager, Michael Owen is on a level.
“He makes you feel like a kid again watching football. He makes you get goosebumps before he’s even kicked a ball.”
Mbappe has managed 30 goals and 19 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this season for PSG.
Bayern Munich or Lyon will await him at the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, for the Champions League final on Sunday.
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