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.
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.
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.”
