Kylian Mbappe Surpasses Zidane—But Three Final Challenges Stand Between Him and France’s Ultimate GOAT Status!

Kylian Mbappe’s achievements mean he has “passed Zinedine Zidane”, but the Real Madrid star has been told France’s GOAT debate is not over.

WHAT HAPPENED?

At just 26 years of age, Mbappe is already a World Cup winner and the all-time leading scorer in the glittering history of Paris Saint-Germain. He needs just 10 more goals at international level to overtake Olivier Giroud at the top of another notable chart.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mbappe is also closing in on 100 caps for his country, as he sits on 87 at present, and fills the captain’s armband for Didier Deschamps’ side. He is a ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu, having moved to Spain in 2024, and continues to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman and Blancos icon Zinedine.

DID YOU KNOW?

Former France international William Gallas believes that Mbappe may have already eclipsed Zidane in a number of departments, but has been told what he needs to do in order to cement a standing as the greatest player to ever represent Les Bleus.

WHAT GALLAS SAID

Gallas has told Spin Genie of how Mbappe can overtake Zizou: “Everything is about statistics with some players and when you look at the French national team, he is not too far from the top and has beaten many legends.

“Kylian Mbappe has passed Zinedine Zidane, but is he a better player than Zinedine Zidane? A lot of people will say no. If he wins the Champions League twice, with a Golden Ball, then I think you can say he is better than Zidane.”

William Gallas Kylian Mbappe Zinedine Zidane

WHAT NEXT FOR KYLIAN MBAPPE?

Zidane won the Champions League once as a player and three times as Real Madrid manager. He also collected the Ballon d’Or in 1998 after inspiring France to World Cup glory. Mbappe will believe that he is in the right place, with time on his side, to better those accomplishments in the years to come.