Kylian Mbappe is ready to succeed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the best player in the world, according to Manchester United legend Gary Neville.
Speaking to Sky Sports, former Manchester United captain turned pundit Gary Neville has claimed that Paris Saint-Germain superstar and Real Madrid transfer target Kylian Mbappe is ready to step into the shoes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the best player in the world.
Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the footballing world for almost 15 years now. Between the two, they have won 12 Ballon d’Or awards and achieved immense success with their respective clubs, writing their names in the annals of the game due to their absolute showmanship, trophy haul, goals, consistency and longevity in the game.
But Ronaldo recently turned 37 while Messi is 34. Both the players have had indifferent seasons at Manchester United and PSG, respectively. And Neville believes that a change of guard is on the horizon, claiming that Mbappe is ready to replace the duo at the pinnacle of superstardom in football.
“We may see cameos or little swansongs here and there, but there is no doubt that Ronaldo and Messi are coming to the end of their careers,” Neville told Sky Sports. “They are no longer the best players in the world.”
@KMbappe What a player this man is.
World Class and frightens the life out of defenders.
I would love to see him in the Premier League ⚽️?? pic.twitter.com/m54OGR2Vm9— John Terry (@JohnTerry26) March 10, 2022
“In terms of excitement, in terms of thrill, in terms of speed, Mbappe is absolutely sensational,” Neville said. “He reminds me of Thierry Henry, but he’s also got a bit of Cristiano Ronaldo in him – he is ruthless. The Champions League, and another World Cup, would be the crowning glory for Mbappe to succeed Ronaldo and Messi,” he added.
“I’m not saying he needs to win those trophies to become the best player in the world, but it cements your position if you play for the teams that win either of those trophies. For Mbappe, he knows silverware and honours go with that greatness.”
“Mbappe’s last-minute goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League was absolutely sensational. The great players win tournaments, they win big competitions, they are influential in big competitions. Mbappe is at that level now,” Neville said.
Mbappe will not be winning the Champions League this season after Real Madrid eliminated his PSG side from the competition on Wednesday. The 23-year-old starred on the night but was let down by his teammates.
It could very well prove to be his final Champions League game for Les Parisiens, as he has been touted to join Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer.
