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Kylian Mbappe appears to be learning to share the spotlight, according to Frank Leboeuf, who told GOAL that the World Cup-winning French forward has long displayed the same commanding presence as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. While those star qualities are now dazzling fans in La Liga and at the 2026 World Cup, speculation continues about whether Mbappe could one day bring that brilliance to the English Premier League.

Leboeuf, who lifted the World Cup with France in 1998, has reflected on both the current phase and future prospects of Mbappe’s career. The lightning-fast attacker was already hailed as a generational talent during his teenage years at AS Monaco, where his rise to stardom began.

Mbappe won football’s most prestigious honour with France in 2018 and later scored a memorable hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, although France ultimately suffered penalty heartbreak against Messi’s Argentina.

Since then, Mbappe has become Paris Saint-Germain’s all-time leading goal scorer before moving to Real Madrid, where he has assumed the mantle of a ‘Galactico’. He is now closing in on another major record for France, as he looks set to climb to the top of his nation’s all-time scoring charts.

At 27, Mbappe continues to embrace the biggest stages with unwavering confidence and exceptional individual standards. That level of excellence places him firmly in the same elite category as Messi and Ronaldo. Yet, the question remains: is he willing to play a supporting role when the team dynamic requires it?

When asked about this, Leboeuf, speaking in association with World Cup Betting, told GOAL: “He was made to be the main man. Since he was eight years old, people have been telling him he would become one of the best because he was extraordinary even as a child, and he kept doing everything right to reach that level.”

“But recently, he has realised—or we have realised—that football is a collective sport. The real star is the team itself. Look at the top sides winning titles like the Champions League—Liverpool, for example, and now Paris Saint-Germain—it’s all about teamwork.”

“When Real Madrid played poorly and didn’t deserve to reach the final against Liverpool, they somehow did. They beat Chelsea, PSG, and Manchester City when they really shouldn’t have, and that was due to their collective spirit. I don’t think Kylian naturally has that built into his mindset, and it’s difficult to develop, especially in today’s world where everything is about instant results and individual recognition. The Ballon d’Or has become overly significant—back in my day, it was celebrated for a moment and then forgotten.”

“It’s not just Mbappe who’s at fault—it’s the system that glorifies individuals in places it shouldn’t. Football keeps reminding us that without teamwork, success is impossible. We saw Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe together, and now Vinicius Jr and Mbappe—it doesn’t always click because the collective spirit isn’t there.”

“When you look at Liverpool, who was their main star? Mohamed Salah? Sure, but Virgil van Dijk was also a star, as was Alisson, and players like Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. They all worked together, crossing for each other and scoring goals. That’s what makes football beautiful.”

“That’s the kind of football I love. I’m not impressed by Mbappe dribbling past four defenders. I love players like Rodri or Kevin De Bruyne, who can see the next move before receiving the ball. That anticipation is what makes the game special. Even though I acknowledge Diego Maradona’s genius, I was never a fan of excessive dribbling. I admire one-touch play because it shows vision and awareness.”

Mbappe has so far scored 86 goals in 103 appearances for Real Madrid and has netted 56 goals for France. However, his body language in recent matches has sometimes shown frustration, fuelling rumours about whether he might pursue a new challenge.

When asked if Mbappe could one day move to the Premier League, Leboeuf replied: “The Premier League has evolved. If it were the same as when I played, I’d say he’s not suited for it. But with his speed and the space in modern English football, I believe Mbappe could excel in any league. It would be exciting to see him compete with Erling Haaland for the top scorer title in England.”

“That would be amazing, but realistically, his transfer fee would be astronomical—probably beyond what any club can afford right now. I don’t think any team in contention next season can buy him.”

“Arsenal would benefit from a striker, but their system doesn’t revolve around one. Mbappe might get frustrated playing a role like Gyokeres’, waiting for crosses that never arrive. What Haaland has managed under Pep Guardiola—barely touching the ball but staying disciplined—might not suit Kylian. He’d probably drop deeper as a number 10 to get more touches, potentially disrupting the coach’s tactics.”

Next season, Mbappe will work under Jose Mourinho at Santiago Bernabeu, with the ‘Special One’ returning for his second spell at Real Madrid in one of football’s most demanding managerial roles. Mourinho’s task will be to quickly find the best way to utilise his star-studded squad.

For now, Mbappe’s focus remains firmly on the World Cup, as France aim for a third consecutive final appearance. Didier Deschamps’ side will kick off their campaign against Senegal at MetLife Stadium on Tuesday.

The big question now is: how far can France go in this World Cup?