According to German media Bild, Mbappe believes he may not be able to play for the national team as long as Ronaldo, who was still selected for the Portuguese national team at 41. He thinks his international career will end earlier than his idol's.

Mbappe has never hidden his ambitions: he wants to be a pivotal figure in football. The race for the Ballon d'Or is heating up, and he considers himself a strong contender for the award, which is still missing from his trophy cabinet. The French forward has been speaking frequently lately, and on Wednesday he gave an interview to German media Bild.

The interview also touched on the end of his international career. Although France lost to Spain in the World Cup this summer, ending his national team career is not currently in his plans. At 27 years old with 106 appearances for France, Mbappe still has time for other major tournaments.

So will he, like his idol Ronaldo, still be wearing the French jersey at 41 in 2038, despite the Portuguese star being controversial in his home country yet continuing to be selected for Portugal?

The French captain chuckled: "To be honest, considering which country I represent... France won't let me play until I'm 41." He believes that public pressure will force him to retire from the national team before turning 40. However, this does not prevent him from admiring Ronaldo's longevity. Mbappe stated, "Ronaldo proved that if you are in good physical and mental condition, you can maintain that level for a long time. But personally, I don't think I can do that." Mbappe will lead the French team, coached by Zidane, in their first UEFA Nations League match against Turkey on Friday.

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