Kylian Mbappe was never really going to miss the spot- kick. The France striker stepped up and stared down a timid Strasbourg goalkeeper, took four anticipatory steps, and lashed his shot into the bottom corner. After scoring, he careened off into the Paris night, having bagged a 96th-minute winner to lead Paris Saint-Germain to victory.
The confident effort came for a struggling PSG side, one that had seen Neymar sent off and lacked the presence of Lionel Messi, who was still on an Argentine beach, celebrating a World Cup win. It's the kind of high-pressure situation Mbappe has been forced to embrace all season, a virtuosic moment in the midst of what's been an unselfish year for the new France captain.
Mbappe isn't exactly one to stay quiet, despite Neymar and Messi out-shining him in both controversy and internet traffic. But, despite his team-mates' tendencies for late-night fast food runs and Saudi Arabia trips, he has managed to retain a semblance of professionalism.
And with manager Christophe Galtier likely to be sacked, football advisor Luis Camps very publically feuding with the team, and fans swearing at star players, Mbappe has been the sole bright spot. He may not have delivered on the European success he has repeatedly pledged to bring to Parc des Princes, but PSG have needed him more than ever.
His goals, commitment to the club and unlikely leadership have brought stability to a club that was otherwise losing control, and have been vital in ensuring a Ligue 1 title that has, at times, looked like slipping away. All they have to do now, is keep him.
