Kylian Mbappé names his 4 football legends: the cinematic story behind his picks

France national team captain and Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé has named his four man football Mount Rushmore.

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From childhood hero to fierce rivals: Ronaldo and Messi

Speaking during a media appearance on Complex, Mbappé revealed his unranked quartet of football legends.

The inclusion of Cristiano Ronaldo comes as little surprise given the Portuguese forward's profound influence on Mbappé’s formative years, when posters of the 5 time Ballon d'Or winner covered his bedroom walls.

Over the years, that admiration transformed into a personal relationship. In an interview with The Athletic, Mbappé described their evolving bond:

"He was my idol and now he is my friend. I love spending time with him, he gives me advice and supports me and he knows that I will always support him"

Alongside Ronaldo, Mbappé included Lionel Messi, with whom he shared the pitch at Paris Saint Germain between 2021 and 2023. Despite their rivalry for the game’s top individual honours, Mbappé holds deep respect for the Argentine playmaker, frequently acknowledging the invaluable tactical experience gained while playing alongside him before Messi's departure to Inter Miami.

Real Madrid royalty: Ronaldo Nazário and Zinedine Zidane

To complete his attacking line-up, Mbappé selected Brazilian icon Ronaldo Nazário.

The Frenchman has long admired "El Fenómeno" as one of the most destructive and influential number nines in football history. The two also share the common thread of wearing the white shirt of Real Madrid, with the Brazilian starring at the Santiago Bernabéu between 2002 and 2007 where Mbappé now plays.

The final spot went to Zinedine Zidane, a choice steeped in deep personal history. Their relationship traces back nearly 15 years when Zidane personally drove a 13 year old Mbappé around Real Madrid's training facilities during a trial visit.

Mbappé has often described their journey as resembling a cinematic script, with that full circle story culminating in Zidane now managing him at the international level with the French national team.

Framing ambition through Football royalty

Mbappé's selections reflect both his personal path and his tactical aspirations. By honouring players who defined global football across distinct eras, he aligns himself directly with the standards of greatness he aims to match.

Each figure represents an essential facet of his development, Ronaldo's work ethic and finishing, Messi's unmatched vision, Ronaldo Nazário's explosive dynamism and Zidane's leadership and national pride. Rather than merely offering nostalgia, the list serves as a self-imposed benchmark as he enters the prime years of his career.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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