Former Real Madrid forward Ronaldo Nazario was recently chosen by FIFA to present the trophy for the Club World Cup.
This prestigious piece symbolises the ultimate reward that the winner of the tournament next summer will receive.
Ronaldo, a football legend, also shared his thoughts on various topics during the event, one of which was Kylian Mbappe and his current journey at Real Madrid.
Many expected Real Madrid to be an unstoppable force with Mbappe in their ranks, but the reality has been far from that.
The French forward, considered one of the best players in the world, has faced intense scrutiny this season. While there have been flashes of brilliance, his overall performances have not matched the sky-high expectations placed on him.
Real Madrid’s 1-2 loss to Athletic Club highlighted some of the challenges he is facing. Without key players like Vinicius Jr., the responsibility on Mbappe has grown significantly.
However, questions are being raised about his ability to deliver under immense pressure, especially in critical moments.
Critics have pointed out that while he has found the back of the net on occasions, his contributions have not been as impactful as they were in previous seasons.
Ronaldo’s take on Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is facing extreme criticism at the moment. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
The adaptation period for a player like Mbappe at a club like Real Madrid is always going to be closely observed. The expectations at the Santiago Bernabéu are relentless, and every performance is dissected.
However, it is also important to remember that football is unpredictable, and form can fluctuate.
Mbappe has proven his quality time and again on the biggest stages, and there is little doubt that he has the potential to rise to the challenge.
“In football, anything can happen. There can be good streaks and bad streaks,” said Ronaldo as quoted by MARCA.
“You don’t have to focus so much on the small details. Mbappe represents a lot for Real Madrid and he’s going to be very important. Both Real Madrid and Mbappe have a lot of credit.”
For now, patience will be key as both Real Madrid and Mbappe work towards overcoming their current challenges.
The Frenchman’s talent and determination are undeniable, and his success at the club may simply require more time to fully materialise in this demanding environment.