France superstar Kylian Mbappe has been the standout performer at the 2022 World Cup so far.
The 23-year-old, who was already widely regarded as one of the world’s best players before the showpiece tournament got underway, has now scored five goals in Qatar following a sensational brace against Poland on Sunday.
No other player at the World Cup has scored more than three goals at the time of writing and it would be a surprise if Mbappe doesn’t go on to win the Golden Boot award from this point.
After scoring twice in France’s 3-1 win over Poland in the Round of 16, Mbappe added another Man of the Match (MotM) award to his collection.
That’s his third MotM award at the tournament in his third start. He was also named best player following France’s group stage victories over Australia and Denmark.
Each time Mbappe has posed for a photo after being named Man of the Match, the name of sponsor ‘Budweiser’ hasn’t been seen on the red trophy.
Hattrick of MOTM awards. Mbappe operating on another level. pic.twitter.com/05JO5k7bbE
— M•A•J (@Ultra_Suristic) December 4, 2022
3 Motm For the best in the world Kylian Mbappe pic.twitter.com/ocofV9Yhzv
— Dee 🎄 (Christmas Version) (@CfcDeejay) December 4, 2022
But this isn’t the case for other players, including Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.
Another MOTM for Lionel Messi 🐐 pic.twitter.com/EZLzAdUpTL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 3, 2022
Robert Lewandowski wins MOTM after scoring his first World Cup goal for Poland 🇵🇱❤️ pic.twitter.com/OElEXvSf92
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 26, 2022
Has Mbappe been deliberately hiding Budweiser’s name?
According to reports, Mbappe has been ‘deliberately hiding’ Budweiser’s name in his Man of the Match photographs to avoid promoting alcohol at the World Cup.
The Daily Mail cite L’Equipe and AS as claiming that Mbappe does not want to be associated with the World Cup’s main sponsor.
The report adds that Mbappe’s image rights policy means he doesn’t advertising alcoholic drinks, as well as sports betting and junk food.
The global star reportedly doesn’t want to damage his image by promoting an alcoholic drink like Budweiser.
Mbappe, one of the most marketable athletes on the planet right now, is also yet to appear at a single press conference in Qatar to avoid questions about his Paris Saint-Germain future.
The Daily Mail add that the French Football Federation, who are backing Mbappe during his press conference boycott, will pay any fines picked up by players who refuse to speak to the media after winning a MotM award.
Will Mbappe win the 2022 World Cup?
If Mbappe inspires France to a second successive World Cup, he would immediately cement his status as an all-time great.
The lightning-quick forward has already scored more World Cup goals (nine) than several legendary names including Diego Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo and even the great Pele.
Read more: Kylian Mbappe: France man breaks Pele’s World Cup record with Poland brace
However, standing between France and a place in the semi-finals are England, who made light work of African champions Senegal on Sunday night.
Gareth Southgate’s men will certainly present Mbappe and his France teammates with their toughest challenge so far.
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