Kylian Mbappe admits it will be an ‘honor’ to take on his idol Cristiano Ronaldo in Euro 2024 knockout

The opening day of the Euro 2024 quarter-finals is set to be thrilling, featuring a clash between 25-year-old Kylian Mbappe and his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Kylian Mbappe admits it will be an ‘honor’ to take on his idol Cristiano Ronaldo in Euro 2024 knockout

Kylian Mbappe's France to face off against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the Euro quarter-finals. (via IMAGO)

French star Kylian Mbappe expressed that it would be an ‘honor’ for him, to play against his boyhood hero Cristiano Ronaldo. Mbappe’s team is set to face Portugal in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 in Hamburg on Friday.

The opening day of the Euro 2024 quarter-finals is set to be thrilling, featuring a clash between 25-year-old Kylian Mbappe and his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. The last encounter between these two players on the international stage was during the group stages of the 2020 Euros, where Ronaldo scored twice. It is no secret that the former PSG star admires the Al-Nassr star immensely, considering him as a mentor. As a child, the Frenchman even adorned his room with pictures of Ronaldo.

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The French skipper, on the day before the big game, spoke to reporters about his respect for the ex-Manchester United star. He acknowledged his long-standing admiration for Ronaldo as a player and how their relationship has grown over time. He expressed the honor of playing against Ronaldo, recognizing his legendary status regardless of the outcome. Moreover, Mbappe concluded by emphasizing his team’s primary goal of winning and reaching the semi-finals.

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It's a pleasure. Playing against him is an honor for everything he's done in football. No matter what happened before or what happens after, he'll always be a legend of the game.
Kylian Mbappe on his idol Cristiano Ronaldo (via Goal)

Meanwhile, the young Frenchman aspires to replicate Ronaldo’s success at the Bernabeu, following his highly anticipated transfer to the Spanish giants. The 39-year-old Portuguese star netted 450 goals in 438 appearances during his nine-year tenure with Los Blancos.

Kylian Mbappe responds to him being seen as a successor to Cristaino Ronaldo at Real Madrid

Ahead of France’s Euro 2024 match against 2016 winner Portugal, Kylian Mbappe also spoke to reporters about continuing the legacy that Cristiano Ronaldo left, at the Bernabeu.

Kylian Mbappe on his idol Ronaldo
Kylian Mbappe is expected to follow the footsteps of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. (via IMAGO)

Mbappe downplayed comparisons to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner at Real Madrid. He acknowledged his excitement about playing for the club but stressed his desire to forge his own path. Mbappe recognized Ronaldo’s irreplaceable achievements and expressed his hope for creating his own unique legacy at Real Madrid.

What he did in Madrid is unique, and I hope to do something unique in Madrid too. I hope I'll write a great story there, but I'm certainly not going there to write the rest of Cristiano's story.
Kylian Mbappe on Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid (via Goal)

Emphasizing his deep admiration for Ronaldo’s uniqueness, Mbappe exclaimed that he has left an undeniable mark on football history. The 39-year old had meanwhile, extended his best wishes to the Frenchman, following his move to the Spanish capital.

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