France and Portugal are set to face off in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, and all eyes will be on the clash between Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo. While they have met before in the Champions League, this will be their first meeting at a major international tournament.
The context of this game is vastly different from their previous encounter. Six years ago, Mbappe was a promising 19-year-old on loan from Monaco, while Ronaldo was at the peak of his powers. Now, Mbappe is widely regarded as the world’s best player and carries the hopes of France on his shoulders. Ronaldo, despite being 39 years old, still commands attention and remains a focal point for Portugal.
There is much discussion surrounding Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal team after a mixed performance in the last-16 match against Slovenia. However, he proved his worth by scoring a crucial penalty in the shootout. Can Mbappe surpass Ronaldo at Real Madrid, where he is expected to move this summer? It seems likely, given Real Madrid’s current dominance and Mbappe’s impressive goal-scoring record.
Mbappe has already achieved something that Ronaldo hasn’t – a World Cup win. He was part of the French team that lifted the trophy in 2018 at just 19 years old. With Barcelona no longer the force they once were, and Real Madrid reigning champions both domestically and continentally, Mbappe has the potential to surpass Ronaldo’s achievements.
Off the pitch, Mbappe has some catching up to do. Ronaldo is an icon in Madrid with a hotel named after him and a massive following on social media. However, Mbappe’s move to Madrid will undoubtedly put him on a similar pedestal.
Both Mbappe and Ronaldo have yet to shine in this tournament. Mbappe has been hampered by injuries and has had to play with a protective mask. France’s style of play heavily relies on him, and when he is crowded out or out of form, the team struggles to score. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has been underwhelming in his performances so far. Questions have been raised about whether he should even start.
As the quarter-final approaches, all eyes will be on Mbappe and Ronaldo. Will this be the moment when Mbappe fully assumes Ronaldo’s former mantle? Only time will tell. If Mbappe comes out on top, it will be a testament to his journey from a young fan with posters of Ronaldo on his wall to becoming the undisputed poster boy of the sport.