Euro Cup 2024: Will Mbappe upset Ronaldo by ending his childhood hero’s Euro career?
Xtra Time Web Desk: As the Euro 2024 quarterfinals approach, football fans are buzzing with anticipation for the heavyweight clash between Portugal and France on Friday. This match promises to be one of the most captivating of the tournament, not least because of the personal stakes involved. Kylian Mbappé has the chance to end Cristiano Ronaldo's illustrious European Championship career, adding an intriguing subplot to this already thrilling encounter.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the 39-year-old Portuguese legend, has confirmed this will be his last European Championship. "It is, without doubt, my last European Championship," Ronaldo stated emotionally after Portugal's dramatic penalty-shootout victory over Slovenia in the last 16. His tearful performance was a testament to the deep passion he still holds for the game and his drive to make his fans happy.
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On the other side stands Kylian Mbappé, the French superstar who grew up idolizing Ronaldo. The two first met in 2012 at Real Madrid's training ground, where a young Mbappé stood in awe beside his hero. Mbappé has often expressed his admiration for Ronaldo, once calling him his "idol" on social media. The narrative has come full circle, with Mbappé now having the opportunity to potentially end Ronaldo's European Championship journey.
Ronaldo, despite his recent goal drought in major tournaments, remains a pivotal figure for Portugal. He heads into the quarterfinals driven by a desire to inspire and bring joy to his supporters. "It's not about leaving the world of football. What else is there for me to do or win?" Ronaldo reflected, emphasizing his enduring love for the game and his fans.
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Mbappé, at just 25 years old, is already a formidable force, with 48 goals for France and 48 in the Champions League from 73 appearances. He is on a trajectory to chase down Ronaldo's scoring records, both internationally and in the Champions League. This game is not just a battle for a place in the semifinals but a clash of generations, with Mbappé poised to inherit the mantle from Ronaldo and Messi.
As captains of their respective teams, Ronaldo and Mbappé will share a moment of respect before kickoff, aware that for one of them, this could be a farewell. For Ronaldo, it might be the final chapter of a storied career in European Championships. For Mbappé, it's a chance to cement his status as the heir to football's greatest.
