Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke believes Kylian Mbappe may fall short of matching the career achievements of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo despite his outstanding performances at the FIFA World Cup.
According to a report by Tribal Football on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Yorke said World Cup success alone would not be enough for Mbappe to reach the level of Messi and Ronaldo, whose legacies were built on sustained excellence, individual honours and club success.
“I think Kylian Mbappe will just come up short when it comes to matching Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the greatest of all time, but I think he will go down as the greatest player in the history of the World Cup,” Yorke said.
The former Premier League striker argued that Mbappe must win the UEFA Champions League and secure Ballon d’Or titles before he can be regarded among football’s all-time greats. He also noted that the French forward’s trophyless season with Real Madrid could hurt his Ballon d’Or chances, although lifting the 2026 World Cup with France could strengthen his case.
“But he has definitely lit up the World Cup with his dazzling feet and movement, and his creativity and intelligence too, which is quite extraordinary as well. After a trophyless season with Madrid, Mbappe is nowhere near being considered for the Ballon d’Or. However, a World Cup win could change that,” Yorke added.
Mbappe has enjoyed another impressive World Cup campaign, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in six matches as France advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face Spain.
Former England striker Darren Bent also praised Mbappe’s World Cup exploits, predicting he could eventually challenge the tournament’s all-time scoring record. The Real Madrid forward has scored 20 World Cup goals, one behind Lionel Messi’s tally of 21, while Cristiano Ronaldo finished his World Cup career with 11 goals. Mbappe also holds the record for the most knockout-stage goals in World Cup history.
