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Sport Insight

'No limitations' - Mbappe and a mission of a lifetime

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Kylian Mbappe sits on his bed with posters of Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo all around himImage source, Offside Sports Photography

A version of this article was first published in May 2024.

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Buried deep in Monaco’s archive is black-and-white footage of a teenage Kylian Mbappe, sitting in front of a board as a teacher takes a lesson.

Like much of the early footage of Mbappe, the first thing that catches the eye is his sense of mischief, humour and fun.

In another clip, he jumps on a trampoline, spelling out Monaco letter-by-letter at the top of each bounce, in the style of an American cheerleader.

But with the levity was an underlying seriousness.

Mbappe had an understanding, even as a teenager, of a wider, bigger plan; a programme of parental planning and forethought now widely known as 'Project Mbappe'.

In the classroom footage, Mbappe is learning languages, most significantly Spanish.

"Maybe in the future it can help me," he says. "Even when it comes to interviews, to express myself in French or other languages if it's necessary."

Next season, that schoolboy Spanish will come in very useful.

Having run down his contract at Paris St-Germain, the 25-year-old has signed a contract to become Real Madrid's new galactico.

It is the transfer Mbappe has dreamed of ever since he pinned posters of Madrid hero Cristiano Ronaldo on his bedroom wall.

But first he has the small matter of a Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain, the country he is about to call home.

The 'man in the mask' - a troublesome necessity after he broke his nose in 's tournament opener - has struggled to ignite this summer, along with as a whole.

He has 48 goals in 82 appearances for and scored an incredible 256 goals in 308 appearances for PSG.

During this tournament he has scored only a solitary penalty, but every er hopes their idol comes to the party on Tuesday and take the penultimate step towards winning a European Championship to go with his World Cup.

Victory in this month would be significant progress in a career that could ultimately make him the most decorated footballer of all time.

A 12-year-old Kylian Mbappe in an AC Milan shirtImage source, Getty
Image caption,

A 12-year-old Kylian Mbappe training at his hometown club of Bondy

"He still has 10 years at the top level and that is quite frightening when you look at what he has already achieved," says Arsene Wenger, the former Arsenal manager who is now Fifa's chief of global football development.

"This stage of his career, is where you know your job, you are at the prime, the peak of your physical potential.

"He has no limitations.

"He can be at 90% and will still be the best. But how much does he want to push himself? Does he have a clear image of where he wants to go">