2. Mbappe is on the rise
If you were to take a career trajectory stance, then Mbappe wins this one as well. The Frenchman is the world’s most improved player over the last few seasons, I don’t think anybody will be able to dispute that. He made the most of his days at Monaco, nurturing under Leonardo Jardim. It didn’t take him long to win the hearts of the world, and he continues to do that every week.
Neymar, despite the immense talent he displays each week, will feel like he peaked too early. With Barcelona, the Brazilian was known as the third best player in the world by many. However, now, he struggles to be mentioned in the top three (although a case for him could easily be put forward).
That said, you can get more out of Mbappe. He will feel like he has a point to prove, and he’s only going to learn positive lessons from his short career. He is more driven than ever to continue his immense story, and working with Real Madrid will give him the platform to go out there and take the game by the scruff of the neck.
It’s not often that by the age of 19, a player has already won the World Cup, let alone be a key figurehead to his country’s victory. With this in mind, what he can achieve is practically endless, and he knows it. What’s important is that he doesn’t let his ego get the better of him, and instead, he knuckles down to his task.