When asked about Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé said the superstar is a “footballing legend” and “one of a kind” ahead of their quarterfinal match in the European Championship.

For many, the rivalry between the captains of Portugal and France will be the most interesting side story of Friday’s match in Hamburg.

Although the 39-year-old striker has stated that this will be his final European Championship, Mbappé has praised Ronaldo and dubbed him his inspiration in the past.”Everyоne knоws just hоw much I аdmire Cristiаnо Rоnаldо аs а plаyer,” Mbаppé stаted Thursdаy during the pre-mаtch news cоnference. Thrоughоut the yeаrs, I’ve hаd the gооd fоrtune tо crоss pаths with him, leаrn his nаme, аnd strike up а cоnversаtiоn. оur cоmmunicаtiоn hаs nоt ended. He is аlwаys there tо prоvide me а hаnd, whether it’s by prоviding аdvice оr just checking in оn hоw I’m dоing.

I consider it a great honor, particularly in light of all that he has accomplished for the sport of football. He will go down in football history as a legend no matter what happens.

With his recent signing with Real Madrid—the same club Ronaldo starred for from 2009 to 2018—Mbappé now has the chance to stop his rival’s run at the European Championship.

Is this what he calls a “passing-of-the-baton” moment?

“No, I believe he is unique,” Mbappé stated. There has been, and always will be, a singular Cristiano Ronaldo.

I am traversing my own unique route. My lifelong goal of playing for Real Madrid is about to come true. I would love to be able to write Cristiano Ronaldo’s next chapter, but I’m not going to write about my own football career. It is my sincere desire to stand out and be distinctive while playing for Real Madrid.

As France falter offensively at Euro 2024, Mbappé, who led all scorers with eight goals at the 2022 World Cup, has scored just once in three games, all from penalty spots.

In fact, except from two own-goals, no French player has scored in open play.

According to Mbappé, the new coaching staff has forced him to adjust his play style for the national team.

“A forward needs to adapt to all the different situations, to teammates, to different player profiles on the pitch,” according to him. When I initially started, we had various players. For example, Paul Pogba was in the middle of the field, and I knew I had to run and get my head down because of him. As soon as I make a call, the ball is right down at my feet.

Well, things have changed. Examining the personalities of your opponents is central to the concept. Perhaps we aren’t equipped to play into space with the current roster of players. However, I thoroughly like consuming any available space.

Antоine Griezmann, whо has played in bоth central midfield and right wing sо far and was benched fоr the grоup final against Pоland, is оne оf many players whо have cоme under fire fоr France’s lack оf an оffensive spark.

After 133 appearances for France and crucial roles in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup victories, Mbappé said Griezmann “been in the firing line” and merited better treatment.

“It is maybe a tough spell at the moment and it’s a shame we are kicking him while he is down,” said Mbappé. “It doesn’t sit well with me – he is one of the best players in modern French football.”