Kylian Mbappe has multiple records in his sights as he looks to spearhead France’s charge towards a third World Cup.
Mbappe is four goals behind the tournament’s record scorer, Miroslav Klose, after finding the net 12 times in 14 previous appearances.
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The Real Madrid superstar was instrumental when France won in 2018, as he became the youngest player since Pele to score in a World Cup final.
Now one of the more experienced players in Didier Deschamps’ star-studded squad, the onus is on the 27-year-old to deliver on the biggest stage once again after losing to Argentina in the 2022 final.
Mbappe is tipped by many to score the most goals in the tournament, despite a difficult campaign in Madrid, and his hopes of winning the World Cup Golden Boot get underway against Senegal on June 16.
Whilst the electric forward is undoubtedly the nation’s most important player, others will also play a crucial role in their pursuit of glory, and that includes defender Ibrahima Konate.
Speaking before they kick off next week, Mbappe has showered his new Real Madrid teammate with praise after he left Liverpool on a free transfer.
“Konaté is a very aggressive defender, in the best sense. Never a bad move, he’s tough in his marking, he wants his opponent to feel like they’re going to have a rough night,” he said.
“I love defenders like him on my team”.
