Djibril Cissé has just dampened the mood. While Kylian Mbappé continues XXL performances with Real Madrid and the France team, the former Blues striker made comments which risk causing a reaction. In an interview with Poker Strategy, Cissé spoke about Mbappé's status with the French public, with disconcerting frankness.
“He will never be as adored as Zidane”
“I don’t think Kylian Mbappé will ever be regarded as highly as Zinedine Zidane by the French people, it will be difficult for him to reach that level”says Cissé bluntly. The former Liverpool and Marseille player drives the point home: “ Mbappé is definitely loved by people and he is an exceptional player, but Zidane was universally loved by the French people. I don't think we will ever see a player achieve what Zidane achieved. »
These words resonate like an uppercut for the French captain, world champion at 18 in 2018 and author of an XXL final in 2022 with eight goals in the tournament. At 26, Mbappé already has 52 goals for the national team (six points from Giroud's record) and 12 goals in the World Cup, just one short of Just Fontaine's French record.
Djibril Cissé to Mbappé: “You will never measure up to Zidane”
The weight of the prize list is not enough
Cissé nevertheless recognizes the historic potential of Mbappé: “ There is no doubt that Mbappé can become the most successful French footballer of all time. He is doing exceptional things at Real Madrid and they will win a lot of trophies in the years to come. » But Zidane's legendary status seems out of reach.
This statement comes as Mbappé himself expressed the wish to see Zidane take the reins of the France team after 2026:
“With him, there’s no need to complicate things. It's Zidane. Nobody is going to say no. » An immense respect for an idol that he will never be able to equal in the hearts of the French, according to Cissé.
