Kylian Mbappe has already etched his name among the greats of modern World Cup history, and at 27 years of age, the French captain appears determined to add more glorious chapters to his story. Across three tournaments, Mbappe has consistently delivered world-class performances and demonstrated the ability to influence the grandest stages, placing him among an elite few in football history.

His first major breakthrough came during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he emerged as one of the tournament’s brightest stars. At just 19 years and 183 days old, Mbappe scored his first World Cup goal against Peru, becoming France’s youngest-ever scorer in the competition. He finished that campaign with four goals, including one in the final as France defeated Croatia 4-2 to lift their second World Cup trophy.

If 2018 served as Mbappe’s introduction to the world, 2022 cemented his reputation as the premier attacking talent of his generation. He ended the Qatar tournament as the top scorer with eight goals in seven matches and delivered one of the most memorable individual displays ever seen in a World Cup final. His hat-trick against Argentina made him the first player since Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score three goals in the title match, though France ultimately fell short in the penalty shootout.

That final, despite the heartbreak, showcased Mbappe’s enormous influence on the grandest stage. Few footballers have managed to dominate a World Cup final so completely, and even fewer have done it while carrying the weight of a nation hoping for consecutive championships.

His latest contribution came in France’s 2-0 victory over Morocco in Boston, which secured a spot in the World Cup semi-finals and kept alive hopes of reaching a third straight final. The match, however, began with early challenges. Mbappe earned a first-half penalty but, after a long delay, saw his weak attempt saved by Yassine Bounou.

Top strikers are often defined by how they respond to adversity, and Mbappe’s reaction was immediate. He bounced back after the break to score and later set up Ousmane Dembele for France’s second, ensuring a comfortable finish. With eight goals and three assists in the tournament so far, Mbappe remains firmly in contention for both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball awards.

Off the pitch, Mbappe’s club future has long been a subject of fascination. During his rise at AS Monaco, Liverpool were strongly linked with him, and reports suggest that discussions did take place. One such story has since become famous, with Jurgen Klopp recounting the extraordinary attempt to sign him. In an interview with Magenta TV, Klopp said: “We flew from Blackpool to Nice. In Nice, the entire Mbappe family boarded a private jet with five rooms. We really went all out. Then we flew around in a circle, talked with the family, ate good food. We couldn’t be seen. We flew in a circle. It was fantastic. And then he went to Paris!”

At club level, Mbappe concluded last season as Real Madrid’s top scorer, netting 42 goals and providing seven assists in 44 appearances. Despite his prolific form, the Spanish giants finished second in La Liga and ended the season without any silverware. For France, however, the immediate mission remains clear — with Mbappe leading the charge, another deep World Cup run looks entirely within reach.