Kylian Mbappe Praises Cristiano Ronaldo, Insists There’s No One Like Him Ahead of Euro 2024 Showdown

• French captain, Kylian Mbappe, has paid glowing tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the France vs Portugal clash at Euro 2024
• While multiple world-class players will be in action for both sides, it is hard to escape the duel between Ronaldo and Mbappe
• This will be the third time in a row the two giants will be meeting at the European Championship after the 2016 and 2020 editions

Kylian Mbappe has expressed his deep admiration for his childhood idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of their highly anticipated showdown in the quarter-finals of the 2024 European Championship.

Mbappe, a known Ronaldo fan, did not hide his reverence for the Portuguese star before the France vs. Portugal last eight clash in Germany.

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The said match, seen by many as a "master vs. apprentice" duel, will see Ronaldo face off against his protégé, per the BBC.

Both players have yet to make a significant impact on this year's tournament. Cristiano, who holds the record with 14 goals in the history of the Euros, has failed to score in four games at this year's edition.

He had a chance to end his goal drought in Portugal's Round of 16 match against Slovenia but missed a penalty just before half-time in extra time.

The 39-year-old was in tears after the miss, although he later redeemed himself by scoring the first penalty in the shootout win for the Selecao.

Mbappe's tournament has been similarly underwhelming.

He has scored only once and provided one assist in three matches, having missed France's second game against the Netherlands due to a broken nose.

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Despite their struggles, both players will be looking to move past their previous disappointments and secure a spot in the semi-finals on Friday, July 5.

Mbappe heaps praise on Ronaldo

In the lead-up to the match, the Frenchman praised his role model, stating that there would never be another player like him.

“I admire the greatness of Cristiano. There is only one Cristiano, there will never be another like him, he left his mark in the history of football and inspired generations,” he said at the pre-match presser, as quoted by The NassrZone.

The upcoming encounter will be crucial for both teams and will also be a meeting between two generations of football greatness.

Ronaldo labelled as 'hypocrite'

In an earlier report by Sports Brief, Ronaldo was labelled a 'hypocrite' by Dutch legend Ruud Gullit following his emotional rollercoaster during Portugal's Round of 16 win over Slovenia at Euro 2024.

Gullit, who captained the Netherlands to Euro victory in 1988, criticized Ronaldo for what he described as unnecessary 'selfishness' and an attempt to 'steal the spotlight' during the dramatic match.