Mbappe joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 as another Galactico at the Santiago Bernabeu. His transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Spain placed him on the path of legendary figures like Ronaldo, Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer.

The French star wears the number 9 shirt, previously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo at Madrid, and has now been repositioned as a central striker. However, his reputation as one of the world’s most feared attackers was largely built while playing on the left wing for both his club and national team.

Sampaoli, former coach of Marseille and Rennes in Ligue 1, explained in an interview with Sport why Mbappe cannot be compared to Lionel Messi: “We were talking about Lamine Yamal, a player who can be compared to Messi because he has both individual qualities and teamwork.

Mbappe, however, is more involved in himself. I compare him more to Cristiano, a player who always thinks about himself and goals. In Paris, he was also decisive as a left winger with the number 9.”