Kylian Mbappe is set to conclude his illustrious career at Paris Saint-Germain with a potential French Cup final victory against Lyon on Saturday. This final, held at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille, could be his 308th and last appearance for PSG since joining the club in a record 180 million-euro transfer from Monaco in August 2017.
Despite sitting out PSG's final two Ligue 1 matches, Mbappe is expected to feature in the Cup final, with the Ligue 1 title already secured. Coach Luis Enrique, who hinted at recent dissatisfaction with Mbappe's commitment, emphasized the importance of the Cup final for the team.
Mbappe's tenure at PSG has been marked by significant domestic success, including six Ligue 1 titles and potentially a fourth French Cup victory. However, his time in Paris is also notable for the club's lack of European triumphs, with PSG failing to secure a Champions League title despite reaching the final in 2020 and making other deep runs in the competition.
With an anticipated move to Real Madrid, Mbappe aims to finally capture the elusive Champions League title. His legacy in France is already cemented, having become a national icon since his breakout season with Monaco in 2017. Even as he moves abroad, his influence will remain, much like past French football legends.
PSG's recent French Cup history has seen mixed fortunes for Mbappe. He experienced disappointment in the 2019 final with a red card and an injury in the 2020 final, despite winning the trophy both years. Yet, Mbappe's ability to perform in critical moments, such as his hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina, remains undisputed.
The Cup final against Lyon presents a significant challenge. Lyon, under Pierre Sage's leadership, has transformed remarkably from a relegation-threatened team to European qualification contenders. The final, relocated due to the upcoming Olympics, adds an extra layer of excitement as PSG aims to secure a domestic double for the first time since the 2019/20 season.
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