Striker Kylian Mbappe expressed his respect for Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the Euro 2024 quarter-final match between France and Portugal early tomorrow morning (02:00 July 6).

“There will never be another Ronaldo ,” Mbappe said at a press conference ahead of the Euro 2024 quarter-final match between France and Portugal at Hamburg Arena (Germany) early tomorrow morning.

Mbappe signed for Real Madrid this summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer, ending a seven-year spell in the French capital.

Mbappe followed Ronaldo to join Real Madrid in pursuit of glory (Photo: Getty).

Ads (0:02)

Ronaldo won 4 Champions League titles and 4 Ballon d’Or awards during his 9 years at Real Madrid (Photo: Getty).

The 25-year-old will join a star-studded squad that includes Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, although he is expected to be a key player at the Bernabeu – just as Ronaldo once was.

The Portuguese superstar is Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer with 450 goals in 438 appearances, winning four Champions League titles and four Ballon d’Or awards in nine years at the club.

Many Real Madrid fans are hoping Mbappe can replicate Ronaldo’s success at the Bernabeu but the French striker admits it is an impossible task.

“He shaped football, inspired generations, scored goals and won trophies. He knew how to reinvent himself. He was unique.

As for me, I’m following my own path. My dream of playing for Real Madrid is coming true.

I hope to make my mark in football and be the only one at Real Madrid, but I’m not writing the next chapter for his story. I really respect him. I can only praise him,” Mbappe said.

The French striker added ahead of facing Ronaldo when France meet Portugal in the Euro 2024 semi-finals: “Over time, I was lucky to meet him and get to know him better. We still keep in touch. He always follows my life, gives me advice.

It was always an honor to play with him. No matter what happens next, he will always be a football legend.

Of course, we hope he doesn’t get too excited and we get to the semi-finals of Euro 2024.”

Ads (0:03)

Mbappe expects France to beat Portugal to reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals (Photo: Getty).

Both Mbappe and Ronaldo have failed to shine at the tournament in Germany this summer, with Mbappe only scoring one goal from the penalty spot while Ronaldo has not even scored once in the last four matches.

However, both superstars have the ability to make the difference in moments of great pressure and France coach Didier Deschamps has admitted he will be keeping an eye on the illustrious Portugal striker.

“Ronaldo not only has the ability but also the motivation to win. He can score goals and is decisive. Although he is a little older than the others, he is still a highly competitive player,” coach Didier Deschamps affirmed.