Real Madrid superstar and French captain Kylian Mbappé has hilariously shut down any suggestions that he will follow in the footsteps of his childhood idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, by playing international football into his 40s.
While Ronaldo continues to defy father time and lead Portugal’s frontline at 41 years old, Mbappé insists that replicating such insane longevity is completely out of the question for his own career. Speaking in a recent interview, the 27-year-old forward burst into laughter when asked if fans could see him spearheading Les Bleus well into the 2040s. “Can I play for France until 41 like Cristiano Ronaldo? We have to be honest, considering the country I play in, France would never let me play until I’m 41!” Mbappé joked, pointing toward France’s endless conveyor belt of world-class young attacking talent.
Despite brushing off the comparison for his own future, Mbappé expressed deep admiration for the Portuguese icon, acknowledging that staying at the absolute pinnacle of elite football for over two decades requires an extraordinary physical and mental drive. “Cristiano shows that if you are in good physical and mental shape, you can play at this high level for a very long time,” Mbappé added. “However, in my case, I really do not see that happening.”
With Mbappé already boasting a World Cup trophy and countless records, French football fans shouldn’t expect him to linger forever. Enjoy the magician while he’s in his prime—because unlike Ronaldo, Mbappé won’t be around when 40 rolls by!
Do you think Mbappé should try to play into his late 30s, or is calling it quits early the smarter move for his legacy? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
