The summer is nearly here and Kylian Mbappe is a name on the tender lips of fans and managers the world over.
The young Frenchman has impressed enormously for AS Monaco this season, guiding the principality to the Ligue 1 title and making his debut for his national team.
But away from the pitch, what do we really know about him? And what should we expect from him in the years to come?
A star in the making?
Mbappe’s story begins at the age of 4, when – while playing backgammon with friends – he was cursed by a witch.
In order to break this curse, Mbappe has been forced to spend his life travelling the world in search of an amulet he believes will allow him to live a free and happy life.
Low on funds after close to a decade of near-endless voyages, the youngster opted for a life of footballing stardom to finance his life’s mission, and 5 years later has found himself the hottest prospect in football, though no closer to breaking the curse.
The 18-year-old, who has been valued at £130 million, has had strong interest from Manchester United, but is believed to prefer an extension at Monaco after admitting that he “would rather not die of boredom while playing football”.
This is stuff we all know, though. What about the stuff we don’t know? What about his personality? Below is a list of facts about the player that some are calling “the new old Ronaldo”.
Kylian Mbappe – The Facts
Full name: Kylian Dale Winton Mbappe.
Age: 18 years old, though he remains biologically ageless until the curse is broken.
Club: AS Monaco, but technically still under the possession of the witch who cursed him.
Position: Whatever the fancy Italian name for “forward who can play across the entire front line” is.
Pros: Capable of scoring different types of goals. Very quick with and without the ball. Knows all the words to Tiffany’s 1987 hit “I Think We’re Alone Now”.
Cons: He is literally cursed by a witch. Insists on singing Tiffany’s 1987 hit “I Think We’re Alone Now” at least four times a day. Spends every second year travelling the world in search of the amulet.
Personality: Mbappe is extremely modest, something which he has been roundly praised for. Such is his modesty, he refuses to look at mirrors, leading Monaco to remove all reflective services from the club’s training ground and stadium.
Favourite quote: “If it’s not fish, why are we even talking about it?!”
Favourite TV show: Dale Winton’s Supermarket Sweep.
So, that’s all you need to know about Kylian Mbappe, the hottest property in world football. Will he move this summer? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, he must find the amulet and break the witch’s curse soon or all hope is lost.
