Euro 2024: Kylian Mbappe Hoping To Knockout His Idol Cristiano Ronaldo

France international, Kylian Mbappe has noted that it is an honour to face his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe when France takes on Portugal in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals at 8 p.m. later tonight, July 5, 2024.

The two teams who were seen as the favourites to win the tournament have not lived up to expectations so far in the tournament. France recorded a win and two draws in the group stage, while Portugal recorded two wins and a defeat in the group stage.

In the round of 16 stage, France needed a late-minute own goal to knock out Belgium, while Portugal waited for a penalty shootout to survive Slovenia in the said stage.

Hence, they are more or less seen as struggling giants in Euro 2024 which makes it more likely that the attention will be more on the performance of Mbappe and Ronaldo tonight.

Ahead of the game, the 25-year-old Mbappe who has just completed his move to Real Madrid said though he idolizes the 39-year-old Ronaldo, he aims to beat Portugal and qualify for the next stage of the competition.

“It’s the admiration I’ve always had for Cristiano, for the player. Over time, I’ve had the chance to get to know him and talk to him many times. We are still in touch,” Mbappe told reporters.

“He’s always trying to give me advice and keep up to date with what’s going on. Playing against him is an honour for everything he’s done in football.

“No matter what happened before or what happens after, he’ll always be a legend of the game. But of course, we hope to win and reach the semi-finals.”