Kylian Mbappe, a forward for Paris Saint-Germain, has been open about the fact that LeBron James is someone he looks up to and who he frequently consults for assistance regarding his professional life.
Since their initial encounter at a Nike event in New York in 2018, Mbappe and James have become close. While James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers following a second stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mbappe’s transfer to PSG from AS Monaco became permanent the same year.
James is a stakeholder in Fenway Sports Group, the American sports business that owns Liverpool FC, and the Frenchman is an avid follower of the NBA. James also has a passion for football. Despite PSG’s efforts to re-sign Mbappe to a contract worth £86.15 million per season, the 25-year-old’s admission has reignited rumors that Liverpool could be his future destination.In addition to being one of the most famous athletes in the world, Mbappe represents France on the football field. Despite losing Neymar and Lionel Messi to other clubs since the end of last season, PSG has retained the services of the attacker, who also serves as captain of his national side.
Mbappe and James have been close since James signed with Nike, and the Frenchman’s ties to Liverpool continue as a result of the club’s partnership with Nike. Mbappe has spoken publicly about his relationship with the NBA’s all-time great, revealing that the latter greatly influences his professional choices.
“He has a much more advanced career than I do, and projects outside sport that have cemented his place as a legend,” Mbappe stated to GQ. “Being able to ask such inspiring personalities for advice is a chance to adjust my projects and create my own thing that is as effective as possible for today’s young people.”These projects are really meaningful to me since they evolve alongside me. I strive to surround myself with partners that not only support me but also understand and validate my societal commitment, which helps me transmit ideals like communication and sharing.
When it comes to their careers, James is nearing retirement and Mbappe is just entering his peak, but the two couldn’t be more different. James has won four NBA championships and been named MVP, while Mbappe can likewise claim to be a “World Champion” after winning the 2018 World Cup with France and finishing second in 2022 despite scoring a hat trιck in the final against Argentina.
Although James’s share price in Liverpool would climb significantly if he moved there, it’s highly doubtful that the Premier League team could compete with PSG’s offer, and Mbappe is still a close buddy of James’s. At the conclusion of the season, Mbappe’s contract with PSG will expire. However, the French club will make every effort to re-sign the attacker, despite the fact that Real Madrid has been interested in signing him for several transfer windows.