Claude Makélélé: Mbappé is the closest thing we have to Ronaldo
France legend Claude Makélélé has compared Kylian Mbappé to Ronaldo Nazário and revealed he recommended Michael Olise to Real Madrid.
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Claude Makélélé, the legendary former French midfielder and 1998 World Cup champion, has shared his high praise for Kylian Mbappé's performance at the current World Cup. In an interview with Marca, he stated that the Real Madrid forward is the closest player to Ronaldo Nazário in the current generation.
Mbappé is the phenomenon of his generation. What he has been demonstrating year after year brings him closer and closer to Ronaldo Nazário. Claude Makélélé
Makélélé also identified Mbappé as a favorite for the Ballon d'Or, noting that despite a lack of major titles with Madrid last season, his impact on the national team stage remains exceptional.
Beyond the Real Madrid star, Makélélé highlighted the rise of Michael Olise. The former midfielder revealed that he personally advised Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez to sign the forward, describing him as a player who brings the kind of magic that makes fans dream.
Additionally, Makélélé expressed confidence in José Mourinho's return to the Spanish capital. He praised the coach's ability to balance the team and suggested that players like Trent Alexander-Arnold could see significant growth under the Portuguese tactician's leadership.