Kylian Mbappe is backing Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco to go the distance in front of their fans at the prestigious competition, according to national team captain Achraf Hakimi. Real Madrid star Mbappe was in attendance for Morocco's 1-1 group stage draw with Mali with the hosts tipped by many to win AFCON for the first time since their initial success in 1976.

With the halfway stage of the season upon us, the time has come to shine a spotlight on the players who have made the biggest impact across Europe's major leagues. But first, let's run through the lay of the land.

Kylian Mbappe has been told, during GOAL’s exclusive interview with Frank Leboeuf, why he “cannot compare” to Zinedine Zidane in any discussion regarding the GOAT of French football. Even a second World Cup win, while becoming Les Bleus’ all-time leading scorer, may not be enough to lift the current Real Madrid superstar above the Blancos “icon” of the past.

Kylian Mbappe has been told that Paris Saint-Germain would not have won the Champions League had he stuck around in France, with it “fantasy” to believe that European success could ever have been savoured with the France international, Lionel Messi and Neymar lining up in the same starting XI. World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf has explained to GOAL why that is the case.

Real Madrid have been advised to do "everything possible” to sell Vinicius Junior if he demands a contract similar to Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. The Brazilian forward is not considered to be deserving of such terms, with the Blancos needing to move him on - amid interest from the Saudi Pro League - as no player is bigger than the Liga heavyweights.