Mbappé rules out playing until 41 like Ronaldo, while praising the Portugal star’s remarkable physical and mental longevity

Kylian Mbappé has ruled out following Cristiano Ronaldo’s example by continuing to play at the highest level until the age of 41, although the France captain praised the Portuguese forward’s remarkable longevity.

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Mbappé was asked about the possibility of extending his career as long as Ronaldo, who has continued playing elite football into his 40s.

The France captain responded with a smile: “France would never let me play until I’m 41!”

Despite dismissing the possibility for himself, Mbappé praised Ronaldo for maintaining the physical and mental condition required to remain competitive at the highest level for so many years.

“Cristiano shows that if you’re in good physical and mental shape, you can play at this high level for a long time,” Mbappé said.

Ronaldo’s career has become one of the most striking examples of longevity in modern football. The Portugal international has continued to compete professionally well beyond the age at which many elite players retire.

Mbappé, however, does not expect his own career to follow the same timeline.

“In my case, I don’t see it happening,” Mbappé told BILD.

At 27, Mbappé remains in the prime of his career and continues to play a central role for France. His comments suggest that, while he respects Ronaldo’s extraordinary durability, he has no immediate ambition to replicate the veteran forward’s career into his early 40s.

The comments also underline the contrast between two generations of elite forwards. Ronaldo has built a career spanning international responsibilities with France and his club career, rather than setting a target of matching Ronaldo’s remarkable playing longevity more than two decades, while Mbappé is still establishing his own legacy at the highest level.

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For now, Mbappé’s focus remains on his international responsibilities with France and his club career, rather than setting a target of matching Ronaldo’s remarkable playing longevity.