Thierry Henry Names Heir to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Throne

• Thierry Henry picked PSG's Kylian Mbappe as the player to succeed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
• Mbappe is a top contender for the 2023 Ballon d’Or following his exploits with PSG and France this season
• The French forward won the Golden boot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and is one of the Ligue 1's top scorers

Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry has backed Kylian Mbappe to fill the void after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi hang up their boots.

The Al-Nassr superstar and the Paris Saint-Germain icon have shared 12 Ballon d'Ors between them over the past 15 years, cementing their claims as being among the greatest footballers in history.

However, the respective Portugal and Argentina captains are approaching the latter stages of their respective careers at ages 38 and 35, and Henry believes Mbappe is the heir apparent to replace the legendary duo at the very top of the game.

Inside Cristiano Ronaldo's small chapel where he talks to his late dad and son everyday

Football

PSG forward, Mbappe is one of the top contenders for the 2023 Ballon d'Or after a stellar performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, emerging as the golden boot winner.

Henry has lauded his compatriot and tipped him as the rightful successor to Ronaldo and Messi in world football, Sportskeeda reported.

"When you look at the two bosses before him, Ronaldo and Messi, it's the same thing. That's why I called him the heir because he's the one who comes after for me and that's clear."

The Gunners legend believes an important, yet rarely discussed aspect of Mbappe is his professionalism.

"We always talk about his goals, his acceleration, but he's a guy who works, who comes to training early, who is always on the pitch, who always wants to learn and try to go further."

Osimhen names Chelsea legend as his idol, reveals how he grew up watching him play, video

Football

Mbappe discusses PSG exit rumours

Meanwhile, Mbappe has insisted his PSG future does not hinge on the French club’s success in Europe, 90MIN reports.

The 24-year-old forward has been strongly linked with a move away from the Ligue 1 champions at the end of the season.

Mbappe, who has been linked with Real Madrid, became the club's all-time top scorer in Saturday's 4-2 win against Nantes.

Messi accepted Mbappe as 'boss'

Sports Brief also reported on Messi accepting Mbappe as 'boss' at PSG, according to former France and Arsenal star, Robert Pires.

The duo have combined well despite previous rumours of a feud between the stars, stemming from the World Cup final in Qatar.

The pair have developed a clear understanding of each other's game, leading the club to a three-win streak and a good run of form.