From Surulere to Santiago Bernabéu: The Story Behind Kylian Mbappé’s Childhood Inspiration by Cristiano Ronaldo
Across Nigeria and much of West Africa, football remains more than just a game—it’s a passion, a talking point in viewing centres from Mushin to Madina, and a source of local pride. This shared love of the beautiful game is why fans from Lagos to Accra are paying close attention to the latest revelations about one of the sport’s biggest stars, Kylian Mbappé, who, according to his mother, had an unmistakable admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo while growing up.
Roots of a Football Dream: Mbappé’s Early Years
Mbappé’s journey from the suburbs of Bondy, France, to the hallowed ground of Real Madrid is a story heard by millions of football-loving youth in West Africa. His pathway has inspired countless young talents, showing that with determination and guidance, global stardom is within reach—no matter where you start.
In an interview with L’Equipe, Fayza Lamari, Mbappé’s mother, opened up about her son’s childhood heroes, revealing how deep his fascination for certain football icons ran. According to Lamari, before Mbappé envisioned donning the white jersey of Real Madrid, he idolised a range of legends, with one man standing above the rest: Cristiano Ronaldo. “It started with Zidane. From the age of four. Then there was Ronaldo when he arrived in Manchester, then Real. Then there was Robinho, Ronaldinho… As for Cristiano… Kylian was Portuguese in his head,” she shared, as cited by L’Equipe and reported by Tribal Football.
“He Was Portuguese in His Heart”: The Cristiano Ronaldo Effect
From a tender age, Mbappé’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo went beyond the ordinary. According to his mother, “For him, he was Portuguese. He would go to a friend’s father’s house to watch Portugal matches and support Ronaldo (laughs). He was in love. He would say: ‘I’m Portuguese.’ It lasted a very long time!” This deep connection with Ronaldo’s playing style and persona gave young Kylian a sense of identity and belonging that shaped his approach to football.
For many young Nigerians and Ghanaians, such aspirations are not just familiar—they are lived experiences. Children and teens across Africa have been known to claim connections with their sporting idols, donning jerseys, mimicking celebrations, and dreaming of making it big. According to sports psychologist Dr. Chinedu Okeke, “[Having role models] gives children something concrete to aim for, especially in environments where breaking through in sports is seen as a way out of hardship.”
Icons Who Shaped a Generation: Zidane, Ronaldinho, Robinho, and Ronaldo
Mbappé’s admiration extended to other football greats such as Zinedine Zidane, Robinho, and Ronaldinho—names that echo fondly in West African football circles. For many, seeing idols of African descent or those who inspire through flair and talent offers a sense of pride and representation. Zidane, of Algerian descent, remains an enduring source of inspiration for Francophone Africans. Ronaldinho’s unique style captivated both fans and aspiring players, while Robinho’s but deliver flair served as a template for street football across the continent.
A suggested visual: Photo montage of young African boys playing football in the street, alongside images of Zidane, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Robinho (credit: local photographers/Getty Images).
The Moment Mbappé Honoured His Idol at Real Madrid
Recently, Mbappé’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo culminated in a moment that resonated with fans worldwide. After scoring his 31st goal for Los Blancos, he celebrated with Ronaldo’s signature “I’m here” pose—a gesture instantly recognised by millions. However, Mbappé’s respect for his idol remained clear. Speaking to Real Madrid TV, Mbappé was quoted as saying, “They are legends who have defined an era, but in the end, it’s all about numbers. If I score many more goals than Ronaldo and Cristiano, it doesn’t mean I’m better.”
His statement underscores a theme common in West African football discussions: humility, respect for predecessors, and an understanding that greatness is bigger than statistics alone. This sentiment strikes a chord with local fans who value not only success but also the manner in which it is achieved.
What Mbappé’s Story Means for Nigerian and West African Football
The narrative around Mbappé’s early admiration for Ronaldo is one that mirrors the experiences of countless aspiring footballers across Nigeria and West Africa. Many young talents spot themselves reflected in Mbappé — a boy from a modest background, whose dreams were fuelled by watching global stars, and whose pathway was illuminated by iconic moments on television screens at viewing centres, friend’s houses, and local football pitches.
Former Nigerian international, Segun Odegbami, noted in an interview with Channels TV, “The importance of role models cannot be overstated. Young players need to see what is possible.” Analysts also suggest that fostering local football academies and providing youths access to education and basic infrastructure could further support budding talents—ensuring the next Mbappé may very well emerge from Yaba or Kumasi.
Visual recommendation: Image of a youth football academy session in Nigeria or Ghana, showing kids training enthusiastically (credit: local media).
The Global Impact: Idols Without Borders
Mbappé’s connection with Cristiano Ronaldo is a testament to football’s ability to transcend borders. Despite their cultural and linguistic differences, players and fans are brought together by their shared love of the sport. In West Africa, where millions tune in for European football matches weekly, idols like Ronaldo and Mbappé offer inspiration that goes far beyond entertainment, motivating many to pursue excellence in any chosen field.
Experts like Dr. Fatoumata Diallo, a Malian sports sociologist, observe that “Globalisation has made football heroes accessible everywhere. The story of Mbappé and Ronaldo shows that talent, ambition, and role models are not limited by geography.” This perspective is particularly relevant for Africa’s rapidly growing population of young, passionate football fans.
Mixed Reactions from West African Football Communities
Some local fans applaud Mbappé’s humility and his open acknowledgment of his football influences. According to Yusuf Adebayo, a sports analyst in Lagos, “It’s important for our own young players to see that even superstars looked up to others. It keeps them grounded and hungry.” Others, meanwhile, urge African talent to also hero-worship local legends, highlighting the achievements of players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Michael Essien, and Asisat Oshoala.
Community leaders and commentators also ask whether investing in improved local sporting infrastructure could help ensure African footballers are not only inspired by foreign stars but can also grow to be icons on the world stage in their own right.
Conclusion: What Will the Next Generation of West African Stars Learn from Mbappé’s Journey?
Kylian Mbappé’s story—his youthful fixation on Ronaldo, his respect for football’s heritage, and his rise to the top—offers both inspiration and lessons for aspiring footballers across West Africa. It highlights the importance of dreams, the positive power of idols, and the enduring value of humility on and off the pitch.
Do you think local football academies and grassroots programmes in Nigeria and neighbouring countries are doing enough to guide the next Mbappé or Oshoala towards stardom? Which football stars inspired you growing up? Share your perspective below.
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