I’ll admit it: I was never a huge football fan. Okay, forget fan. I never so much as blinked an eye at football, all 17 years of my life. I always preferred cricket, and would joke to my family: “What’s there to see in football?” But all of that changed after the FIFA World Cup 2022.
I’ve always loved any kind of sports, but I never really understood the hype around football. True, I did follow Messi and Ronaldo, Modric and Benzema, Neymar Jr. and Ibrahimovic — but I mean, didn’t everybody? It wasn’t until I watched the FIFA World Cup 2022 that I truly became a fan.
Watching the tournament, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the skill and athleticism of the players. The rush and enthusiasm of the matches, the amazing feat of the underdog Morocco rising to the top, the undeniable joy of following the last few tense games. And subsequently, after that legendary, historic final between Argentina and France, there was one player that naturally caught my eye: Kylian Mbappe.
As a newcomer to the sport, I was blown away by Mbappe’s skill and pace on the field. Just watching him in two or three matches, it’s insane how he can run at a blistering pace, making it nearly impossible for defenders to keep up with him. His speed also allows him to create space on the field and get into scoring positions.
I know what they all say — two penalties and a goal, not that impressive! Hello! We’re talking World Cup Final here. The people who say this stuff are probably still sour from Harry Kane’s—oops. See?
A hattrick, be it by penalties or not, is astounding. Mbappe is undoubtedly a talented player. His speed and technical ability on the field are beyond impressive, and he’s accomplished a lot at a young age. Despite some of his faults, it’s hard to deny the impact he’s had on the game.
One thing that clearly sets Mbappe apart from other players is his ability to score goals and create chances for his teammates. In the 2020-2021 season, he scored 42 goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions for his club, Paris Saint-Germain. Throughout 2022, he has been decisive for the Rouge et Bleu and played a major role in each of their victories. By scoring 44 goals in 43 matches, including 32 in the league, he finished at the top of the Ligue 1 scoring charts. These are staggering numbers, especially for a player who is still in his early 20s.
In the national team, Mbappé has been just as impressive, scoring 12 goals in 13 matches for the French national team. His overall crazy year was obviously marked by his fantastic World Cup, which ended with a historic hattrick in the final. A performance that allowed him to finish as top scorer of the 2022 World Cup (8 goals). And, top scorer of the year!
In addition to his impressive stats, Mbappe has also achieved a lot in his career so far. He was a key player for the French national team when they won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring four goals in the tournament. And it’s clear that he’s a key player for his club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Despite the fact that PSG is currently struggling as a team (they really could not be worse), Mbappe continues to carry them and is always a threat on the field — last night’s PSG vs Bayern match is a very good example of that.
Of course, Mbappe still has a long way to go before he can be considered on the same level as players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. There’s still the Ballon D’or lingering somewhere ahead in the darkness. But it’s clear that he’s on the right track, and that he has the potential to be one of the best players in the world.
It’s been strange and interesting to see how my interest in football has grown since watching the FIFA World Cup 2022. And while I’d still rather watch a cricket match (it’s the Pakistani in me), I can’t deny the excitement and passion that football brings to the table. And players like Mbappe are a big part of that excitement.
In conclusion, Kylian Mbappe is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in football right now. His skill, pace, and goal-scoring ability make him a joy to watch on the field. And with his achievements so far, it’s clear that he could be the future of football.
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