The Brazilian played through knee pain before the 2010 World Cup so as not to miss it, and the damage worsened. It was revealed after his surgery in Antwerp.

All seemed serene in Kylian Mbappé’s world on Monday night. He posted a picture on social media – a nice one – a handshake with his departing manager Xabi Alonso. In it Mbappé avoids eye contact with the manager, but the caption salutes the good ...

A statistical analysis of leagues around the world over the past year places Lionel Messi at the top, ahead of stars such as Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. No one is surprised anymore that Lionel Messi,

Kylian Mbappé has placed his trust in Bertrand Sonnery-Cottet, one of the world’s leading specialists in knee injuries. Neymar, Ansu Fati and Karim Benzema have all done the same.

Kylian Mbappe is a World Cup-winning global superstar in his own right, but can the Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ be considered to have eclipsed the legend of fellow Frenchman Thierry Henry? Jeremie Aliadiere - a former Arsenal team-mate of another ‘Invincible’ in north London - has explained why all-time lists will always be influenced by generational favouritism.

Mbappe and Rodrygo celebrate a goal against Manchester City Clive Brunskill/ The Athletic FC ⚽ is The Athletic’s daily football (or soccer, if you prefer) newsletter. Sign up to receive it directly to your inbox.