Explained: The qualities that make ‘abnormal’ Kylian Mbappe ‘like Cristiano Ronaldo’ – as fellow World Cup-winning Frenchman lauds PSG superstar

The France international, who helped to fire his country to global glory in 2018 before netting a historic hat-trick against Argentina in the 2022 final, has cemented his reputation as one of the best players on the planet. Amid the uncertainty regarding his future at PSG, Mbappe has still hit 16 goals through as many appearances this season.

Lizarazu, who won the World Cup back in 1998, sees similarities between the natural ability and work rate boasted by Mbappe and five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo. He has told Telefoot: “Everything he does is phenomenal. We don’t realise it. It’s abnormal. He has the magical power of changing the course of a match single-handedly, whenever he wants. He has done it many times; he scares defences and gives confidence to his partners. Afterwards, he has the efficiency and the mentality of a guy like Cristiano Ronaldo, wanting to do everything in terms of stats. And he does it. And then behind it were his personality, intelligence, precise communication, and role as captain.”

Mbappe is hoping to follow in Ronaldo’s illustrious footsteps by landing a Golden Ball of his own at some point in the near future. He is considered to form part of the next generation of talent ready to compete for that prize – alongside the likes of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Mbappe could tread a similar path to Ronaldo while chasing down more major honours, with there plenty of speculation to suggest that he could be heading to Real Madrid in 2024. The 24-year-old forward has not triggered an extension option in his current contract, meaning that he is due to become a free agent next summer.