France team: Mbappé does not see himself emulating Cristiano Ronaldo

The France captain does not think he can extend his international career as long as Cristiano Ronaldo

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France team: Mbappé does not see himself emulating Cristiano Ronaldo

Kylian Mbappé admires Cristiano Ronaldo’s longevity, but does not think he can continue with the France team until the age of 41.

Kylian Mbappé does not necessarily see himself replicating Cristiano Ronaldo’s incredible international longevity. Asked by BILD about the Portuguese player’s ability to continue representing his country at the age of 41, the Real Madrid forward admitted that he found it difficult to imagine the same scenario with the France team.

Mbappé realistic about his longevity with France

The French captain responded with humour while highlighting the exceptional nature of his childhood idol’s career:

"Let’s be honest, considering the country I play for: France would never let me play until I was 41 (laughs). But Cristiano proves that if you are in excellent physical and mental shape, you can play at this level for a long time. In my case, however, I don’t think it would be possible."

Mbappé is therefore not questioning the example set by Ronaldo—quite the opposite. Cristiano Ronaldo is still being called up by Portugal at the age of 41, proof of rare longevity at the highest international level.

Already more than 100 caps for France

At 27, Mbappé already has enormous experience with France. He celebrated his 100th cap during the 2026 World Cup against Iraq, after reaching 99 appearances in the tournament’s opening match. His progress among the most-capped players in France’s history was already well underway.

But while Ronaldo continues to push back the limits with Portugal, Mbappé believes that the French context would make such longevity much more difficult. It is also a reminder that, even for the biggest stars, the length of an international career depends as much on individual ability as on the national team’s decisions.