The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was a tournament of upsets, drama, and ultimately, the coronation of a French squad led by a breathtakingly young talent. At just 19 years old, Kylian Mbappé Lottin did not just participate; he was a foundational pillar of France's victory, etching his name into the annals of football history alongside the legends. His combination of world-class performance and youth earned him the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award, a testament to an incredible debut on the biggest stage.
Mbappe with 2018 World Cup Trophy
A Star is Born: The Road to the Final
Mbappé’s electrifying speed and clinical finishing were constants throughout France's campaign. He quickly transitioned from a promising prodigy to a global phenomenon, dismantling defences with a maturity that belied his age.
Key Highlights of his 2018 World Cup:
- Four Goals Scored: Mbappé's four goals were crucial, contributing significantly to France's attacking firepower.
- The Argentina Masterclass: His performance in the thrilling 4-3 Round of 16 victory against Argentina was arguably his breakout moment. He scored two sensational goals and won a penalty, showcasing his pace, composure, and devastating finishing ability.
“It’s a great feeling, but I want to keep going. The World Cup is just one step for me, and I want to win more.” - Mbappé, following an early victory. - Youngest French Scorer: He became the youngest player to score for France at a World Cup, an early indicator of his record-breaking trajectory.
The Teenager on the Grandest Stage
The World Cup Final on July 15, 2018, saw France face Croatia. It was here that Mbappé cemented his legendary status by doing what only one other teenager had done before him: score in a World Cup Final.
Final Glory and Historical Parallels:
- The Final Goal: In the 65th minute, Mbappé received the ball outside the box and struck a low, powerful shot that beat the Croatian goalkeeper, putting France up 4-1.
- Joining Pelé: At 19 years and 207 days, he became only the second teenager in history, after the great Pelé (in 1958), to score in a World Cup Final. This comparison, often invoked throughout the tournament, became undeniable fact.
“I already complimented (Kylian) Mbappé last year, saying he was a great player. He won the World Cup at 19, I was only 17 years old when I won it. I said to him that he could equal me, I think he can become the new Pelé. A lot of people think I said that as a joke, but no, it's not a joke!”
— Pelé, speaking about Mbappé's achievement
Best Young Player: A Well-Earned Accolade
The FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award is given to the player aged 21 or younger who shines brightest in the tournament. For Mbappé, the award was a foregone conclusion. His combination of individual brilliance and collective success was unmatched among his peers.
The Impact of the Award:
- It recognised not just his four goals, but his overall attacking contribution, including his game-changing pace, dribbling, and the constant threat he posed to opposition defences.
- The award symbolically passed the torch from the previous winner, his compatriot Paul Pogba (2014), signifying a continuous thread of young French talent.
Kylian Mbappé’s 2018 World Cup campaign was a stunning display of talent meeting opportunity. He arrived in Russia a star prospect and left a World Champion and an undeniable football superstar, proving that in football, age is merely a number when speed, skill, and nerve combine.
