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“He’s the Only One…” – Branded ‘Leader of Debauchery,’ Kylian Mbappe’s Heroics For France Forces Veteran Journalist to Take a Massive U-Turn

Published 10/14/2023, 7:30 AM EDT

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via Reuters

French soccer’s poster boy Kylian Mbappe is going through a purple patch at PSG. However, the forward put critics to rest after his stunning showing for France against the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 qualifier last night. This has led to a debatable U-turn from pundits, media persons, and fans alike.

Mbappe scored 2 goals against the Netherlands in a 2-1 win to give France all 3 points on the night to maintain their 100% win record as they stand top of Group B with 18 points from 6 games. But now, a pundit, who earlier branded Mbappe as the “leader of debauchery”, rang praises for the Frenchman.

French pundit hails Kylian Mbappe in a U-turn after harsh criticism previously

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Following Mbappe firing a blank against Newcastle in PSG’s 4-1 humiliating loss to the English minnows, French pundit Daniel Riolo berated Mbappe saying, “he is the leader of the biggest debauchery evenings in Paris at the moment.”

However, following Mbappe’s stunning brace against the Netherlands last night, the journalist made a quick U-turn from his earlier statement. Speaking to RMC Sport about Mbappe’s impact on the France national team, Riolo said, “He’s the only one who really surpasses Platini. What he is doing in the French team is incredible and this ever since he set foot on this team.” “It’s extraordinary. He’s the team, he’s a captain, he’s the boss.”

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Mbappe scored in style as his 2nd goal on the night against the Netherlands was a thing of beauty. After a bouncing ball was played into his path, Mbappe struck first time with a curling effort from just outside the box that flew into the Dutch net. Mbappe’s 2 goals against a formidable Dutch team saw the forward overtake French legend Michel Platini’s goalscoring record for France.

Despite 24 Years of Age, Kylian Mbappe Surpasses His $500M Rich Idol Cristiano Ronaldo as He Targets Lionel Messi in Big Feat

Mbappe overtakes Michel Platini’s goal-scoring record for France in the list of all-time top scorers

Michel Platini is regarded as one of France’s best players, alongside Zinedine Zidane, Jean-Pierre Papin, and others. However, Mbappe’s 2-goal showing against the Netherlands meant that the PSG forward has scored 42 goals for France in 72 matches.

With his brace, Mbappe overtook French soccer legend Michel Platini who scored 41 goals in 72 games. The PSG forward is now 4th in the list of France’s all-time top goal scorers. However, Mbappe is 12 goals shy of the top spot, which is currently held by former veteran 37-year-old Arsenal, Chelsea, and current AC Milan ace Olivier Giroud, who has 54 goals and is France’s all-time leading goalscorer.

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Other names on the list include Gunners legend Thierry Henry in 2nd with 51 goals and Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann in 3rd with 44.

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However, considering Mbappe is only 24 at the moment, he could be well on his way to eclipsing all the players above him in the list. Nevertheless, at the moment, Mbappe will look to finish the season with PSG strongly and then lead France’s attack at the 2024 Euros in Germany next year.

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Written by:

Gaurav Krishnan

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Gaurav is a soccer writer at EssentiallySports and is a seasoned sports journalist. Before joining the Essentially Sports team, he made significant contributions to platforms such as Caught Offside (UK) and Sportskeeda (IN). His experience in soccer journalism allows him to delve deeply into the nuances of the sport, uncovering the stories that make soccer more than just a game—a culture, a passion, a way of life.
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Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra