Kylian Mbappe has great respect for Cristiano Ronaldo as France prepares to face Portugal in the quarter-finals of EURO 2024 in the early morning of July 6.

“I have the chance to start my dream of playing for Real Madrid. I hope to write history at Real Madrid,” Mbappe told Goal . “But Cristiano Ronaldo’s story at Real Madrid is unique. I hope to do something similar. I can only praise him. We always keep in touch. For me, Ronaldo is a legend.”

Mbappe joining Real Madrid can be considered a “blockbuster” in the summer transfer window of 2024. However, the French striker will certainly face a big challenge if he wants to create a great legacy like Ronaldo at the Bernabeu.

At EURO 2024, Mbappe has not reached his best form. The striker 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 in 1998 only scored 1 goal, but it was from the penalty spot in the final match of the group stage against Poland.

Mbappe calls Ronaldo a legend. Photo: Reuters .

Meanwhile, CR7 has yet to score despite having the most shots (20) in four starts in Germany. Even with a chance from the 11m mark, the 39-year-old striker still couldn’t beat Jan Oblak in the round of 16.

In the EURO 2020 group stage, Ronaldo shone brightly to help Portugal draw 2-2 with France. In contrast, Mbappe left the tournament without any goals.

This time, Mbappe and his teammates are rated higher. The quarter-final match between Portugal and France takes place at 2am on July 6.