Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger likens Kylian Mbappe to Pele

Arsene Wenger suggested that France found a new Pele in Kylian Mbappe during the Laureus World Sports Awards.

Kylian Mbappe has been brilliant for PSG and France’s national team. The youngster played a major role in France’s World Cup win in Russia last summer.

This season, Mbappe stepped up for PSG with 19 goals in Ligue 1 so far. He’s the top goalscorer in the league.

After PSG received a major setback with injuries to Neymar and Edinson Cavani before the game against Manchester United, Mbappe inspired the side to victory at Old Trafford.

He scored a brilliant goal to double the lead in the game in Manchester.

Kylian Mbappe‘s goal tonight against St Etienne, what a finish from the wonder kid.
Believe it or not this guy is the next big thing in football.
Aspiring 🐐 pic.twitter.com/R8apwooqhr

— WeDiscussFootball (@DiscussFootbal) February 17, 2019

Through his performances throughout the tournament, Kylian Mbappé was also awarded Best young player to go alongside the prestigious trophy and announcing himself as the next superstar in world football. 🇫🇷🏆 pic.twitter.com/1xZqcJMX6n

— FOOTBALL TRIVIA 365 (@PlayFT365) February 18, 2019

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also praised Kylian Mbappe during the Laureus World Sports Awards on Monday. Wenger compared the 20-year-old youngster to Brazilian legend and former superstar, Pele.

“The first time I saw Mbappe I thought that we had a Pele in France,” Wenger said during the red carpet events at the award ceremony.

The ex-Arsenal boss further stated that “he is already a world class player” despite being only 20 years old.

Mbappe was nominated for the Sportsman of the Year for 2019. Tennis star Novak Djokovic won the title. The France national football team won the team of the year award in the ceremony.

Also read: Arsene Wenger’s punditry during the game between Manchester United and PSG 

Arsene Wenger was awarded the lifetime achievement award.

“When human beings at their best meet sport at its best, life becomes art,” an emotional Wenger said during his acceptance speech.

“The first time I saw @KMbappe I said we’ve got a @Pele in France!”

“He’s already a world class player!”

The legendary Arsene Wenger with the highest of praise for France’s 20-year-old ⭐️#Laureus19 pic.twitter.com/TTCL6pODRz

— #Laureus19 (@LaureusSport) February 18, 2019

👤 Players contributing to 25 league goals or more in Europe’s Top 5 Leagues:

🇫🇷 @KMbappe
⚽ 19 Goals
🎯 6 Assists

🇦🇷 Lionel Messi
⚽ 22 Goals
🎯 10 Assists

🇵🇹 @Cristiano Ronaldo
⚽ 19 Goals
🎯 8 Assists

🤩 @KMbappe is in elite company. pic.twitter.com/WKfDR71lfg

— SPORF (@Sporf) February 17, 2019

Kylian Mbappé (20) is the first player to directly contribute to 25 or more goals in Ligue 1 this season, and only the third to do so across Europe’s top five leagues.

⚽ 19 goals
🅰️ 6 assists

Elite. pic.twitter.com/VFhDezZwu0

— Scouted Football (@ScoutedFtbl) February 17, 2019

 

He also talked about his future in football management during the award ceremony.

“My future is unknown – even for me,” he said. “I enjoy daily life now and I have been travelling a lot recently all over the world.

“I am enjoying a little bit less pressure. And more freedom as well. But I miss the competition.”