How big will the legacy of Kylian Mbappé (23) be? The French child of the gods can soon win a second World Cup, but does not only count in trophies. The phenomenon wants to be more than the best football player in the world. Profile sketch of a strategist hiding a future president.
His dreams have never had a ceiling.
It is 2014 when a 15-year-old Kylian Mbappé has to put together the cover of a magazine for the academy of AS Monaco.
Other peers opt for French magazines or Vogue, but Mbappé resolutely puts himself at the forefront of the internationally renowned TIME. Three made-up inscriptions float around his portrait photo.
Deschamps’ priority
The best young person in the world
“Kylian is the future” – J. Mourinho
Barely four years later, the phenomenon would appear on the real cover of TIME. The fictional titles have already been surpassed by far.
On the left the self-designed cover of TIME, on the right the “real” version from four years later.
Buddies with Macron
Few footballers for whom all success comes so quickly – literally and figuratively – as Kylian Mbappé.
While late thirties Messi and Ronaldo are still waiting for a first world title, the Frenchman can already conquer a second on Sunday at the age of 23. Back to back with Mbappé as the big man.
And due to a monster contract with PSG, the heir to the throne passed the legendary duo on the list of best-paid footballers.
Mbappé owes the latter to a cleverly played out transfer war last summer. Then it seemed written in the stars that the attacker would move to Real Madrid.
PSG made an unprecedented final offensive – 83 million a year and another 125 million signing bonus – and even Emmanuel Macron got involved.
The French president flattered Mbappé in a personal conversation by emphasizing that his most famous athlete is a figurehead of the country.
One who, due to an extended stay, had the chance to bend Paris and France even more to his will.
President Macron gives Mbappé a warm hug after winning the World Cup in 2018.
Face of a generation
It was a speech that excited Mbappé.
The striker wants to be more than the best footballer in the world. Following in the footsteps of his idol LeBron James, Mbappé aspires to become the face of a generation.
It is a pursuit that determines many of his choices – even if he kicks people in the shins with it, because in the end everyone will bow to him anyway.
For example, Mbappé refused to participate in sponsorship assignments with the French national team. Because partners such as fast food chain KFC, Coca-Cola and gambling company BetClic are not consistent with his moral and ethical values.
This is also the reason why Mbappé deliberately turns Budweiser’s Man of the Match trophy over during the World Cup, so that the logo of the beer brand remains hidden.
The fines? He takes it with a smile.
The image above all.
You will never catch Mbappé, who has his parents as the main sounding board, making wrong decisions off the field.
Mbappé talks to highly regarded American magazines such as The Wall Street Journal or live in the eight o’clock news of TF1. Not with controversial figures like Piers Morgan.
Nor do you see him promoting shady brands from Israel or Turkey on social media. Only A-brands such as Hublot, Dior and Nike are good enough.
That a car brand is missing? Perhaps because Mbappé simply didn’t have time to take his driving test – that’s how explosive and intensive the road to the top was. Consequently, he allows himself to be driven around in an armored car with security.
Nobility obliges.
But always without forgetting his roots. Mbappé, who grew up in the banlieues of Paris, still feels connected to his native village of Bondy. “Many say that villains were invented there, but they don’t get it. Our neighborhood is a great cultural melting pot.”
I don’t want to be just the guy who kicks a ball and counts his money on a yacht at the end of a career.
To help fellow sufferers, Mbappé founded his charity organization, among other things Inspired by Kylian Mbappe (IBKM) op. With this, the striker finances the dreams of 98 underprivileged children.
In addition, Mbappé owns a production studio Zebra Valley who makes films about people and ideas that can change the world. For example about the life of a Syrian refugee.
“I don’t just want to be the guy who kicks a ball and counts his money on a yacht at the end of a career,” Mbappé said of his charity work.
“Sometimes people say I should just play football, but I don’t agree. The world has changed.”
Future president
It could just be a politician’s plea.
In recent months, various French opinion makers have already launched a balloon that there is actually a future president in Mbappé due to his many extra-sporting assets.
During the previous elections, some jokers even wrote down the name of the sniper on the ballot paper.
The phenomenon therefore knows how to unite a country instead of dividing it.
Mbappé knows life is in the poorest neighborhoods, but also in the Élysée.
His father is Christian, his mother Muslim.
The star also showed herself to be a smart diplomat during the deal with Real Madrid that fell through. Mbappé personally called president Florentino Perez to clarify his choice – in perfect Spanish.
“I didn’t say no to Real, but yes to France.”
A second world title on Sunday would undoubtedly generate extra votes.
