Kylian Mbappé became the youngest player to score a brace in the World Cup since Pele performed the feat in 1958.
At 19 years and six months, Mbappé is just 10 months older than the legendary Brazilian. It was the final when Pele managed his double, which came against Sweden, to help them seal the title.
Kylian Mbappe was the hero for France as they defeated Argentina 4-3 to reach the quarterfinals of FIFA World Cup 2018 in Kazan on Saturday.
The 19-year-old, who plays for Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain, scored twice in the second half as the 1998 winners marched into the next stage of the competition.
Mbappe put France ahead in the 64th minute when he capitalised on a loose ball inside the Argentina penalty box and fired in low past Argentina goalkeeper Franco Armani, who was slow in reacting to the threat. Four minutes later, he doubled his tally with a first-time finish from Olivier Giroud’s pass to become the first teenager to score a brace in FIFA World Cup history since Brazilian legend Pele in 1958.
Mbappe, who used to play for AS Monaco, signed for PSG in 2017 as he joined the club initially on loan but with the club having a compulsory purchase clause in the deal. Mbappe’s transfer fee was rumoured to be around €180 million and his contract at Parc des Princes will run through June 30, 2022.
Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was in awe of the French youngster as he called him the ‘next Pele’ after his match-winning performance. “He could become the next Pele,” Wenger told Telefoot. “He has no limits. He’s 19 and will only get stronger. I wanted him too, but it was too much for us.”
Mbappe gives to charity
According to ESPN reports, Kylian Mbappe will give away his World Cup bonus to charity. Mbappe is a patron of the Premiers de Cordée association, a charity which helps children with disabilities play sport.
The report claims that the the forward will donate around €20,000 per match to the charity.
“The player’s entourage and his family made us aware of his gesture a few days ago,” Sebastien Ruffin, director general of Premiers de Cordée, said: “We do not want to go any further than that, because the bonus will only be paid if France reach the quarterfinals. In any case, we are touched by Kylian’s gesture. This is something very personal — we never ask for any financial help from our ambassadors.
Meanwhile. Pele congratulated Mbakkpe for the feat, saying “2 goals in a World Cup so young puts you in great company! Goodluck for your other games.”
However, Uruguay beat Portugal 2-1 to reach quarterfianls in the ongoing FIFA 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Two biggest soccer stars- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo- will leave Russia Sunday following the elimination of their countries from the World Cup.
-Hindustan
