During a recent appearance on Téléfoot, Arsène Wenger, the former Arsenal manager, demonstrated his keen eye for football talent. Wenger recounted how he first spotted a young Kylian Mbappé playing for AS Monaco and drew a striking comparison.
The former tactician compared the French sensation and the legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé. Wenger’s bold comparison from a few years ago has stood the test of time. He has already won the FIFA World Cup and narrowly missed out on back-to-back trophies.
“At the time, I was told that I was a little crazy, but that was the spontaneous impression I had without thinking,” Wenger told the French media outlet (h/t Le10Sport). “He has enormous potential. He must improve in the heading game.
“This guy has the trigger of a high jumper, so he needs to head goals for us. He will be 25 years old. I think that from 25 years old to 32, 33, or 34, what is at stake now is how far he is willing to push himself to constantly question himself and continue progressing. His next challenge is here.”
The comparison might have raised eyebrows at the time, given the weight associated with likening any player to Pelé, considered one of the greatest footballers in history.
Nonetheless, the PSG star has become a global football icon, known for his electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and knack for stepping up in crucial moments.
Still, there are some trophies that the soon-to-be 25-year-old has to lift, like a UEFA Champions League or Euro trophy. In 2024, Mbappé could have a deep run in the Champions League with PSG should they advance to the knockout stage. Then, with France, the winger is one of the favorites to win the Euros next summer.
