Kylian Mbappe is closing in on a historic milestone for the UEFA Champions League that will see the Real Madrid forward break Lionel Messi’s record of being the youngest player to make 100 appearances in the competition.
Mbappé has now totalled 99 Champions League games for three teams, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo. With the game on hand, the French international is now one short of reaching the milestone of 100 appearances.
He has featured in nine games for Monaco, 64 for Paris Saint-Germain and 26 since joining Real Madrid. The figures are reflective of his consistent appearance in the top club competition in Europe from a young age.
The milestone is even more important due to Messi’s longevity. The Argentinean superstar made his 100th appearance in the Champions League at 28 years and 84 days. Mbappé – who was reportedly 27 years and 298 days old – could make that same record at a younger age.
Should he be called up for the upcoming game against AS Roma, Mbappe could be closing in on the record and adding another feather to his cap in the European soccer fraternity. But if he is going to get to the milestone, he’ll need to play in the game.
Mbappe’s quest for a record is the climax of Real Madrid’s campaign in Europe. The forward has already popped up for three big European clubs in the Champions League, from his France and Spain spells. Mbappe is now racing towards Messi’s record of 100 appearances for the youngsters in the competition. His next competition might then be a historic occasion in the history of the Champions League.
