What's going wrong for Kylian Mbappé at Real Madrid? In a word, everything. The French World Cup winner, long considered an exceptional talent destined to feature on the list of football's greatest players, appears to have suddenly forgotten how to play the game.
He shoots into the comfort zones of goalkeepers, a few metres to the left or right of them, or fluffs his shots entirely. Even his penalties are being saved. His legendary bursts of speed and elusive runs into the box are missing; he is currently outpacing and outfoxing no one.
In fact, in the latest El Clásico—Madrid's famed encounter with arch-rivals Barcelona—in October, Mbappé was caught offside eight times, the joint highest such tally by a La Liga player in 15 years.
At 18, Mbappé became the youngest player since Pelé to score in a World Cup final (2018). In 2022, he became one of only two in the history of the game to score in two consecutive World Cup finals (the other was Brazil's Vava, in 1958 and '62).
This story is from the December 15, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Uttarakhand.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 15, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Uttarakhand.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rudrankksh gears up with fresh goals, new equipment
After missing out on the Olympics, the youngster has shed over 10kgs and added the 50m 3P event to his schedule
Harmanpreet best drag-flicker in the world: Peillat
Gonzalo Peillat's heart was beating faster during the HIL auction than it does when taking a drag-flick.
The relentless march of the Slot machine
After losing the 2011 Champions League final 1-3 to Barcelona, Alex Ferguson had said: \"Nobody's given us a hiding like that.\" Ange Postecoglu didn't walk the route of the former Manchester United manager following Sunday's goalfest, choosing instead to highlight Tottenham Hotspur's injury problems, but there could be no doubt that Liverpool absolutely cleaned out their opponents at White Hart Lane.
South Africa Aim To Seal Place In WTC Final In Test Series Vs Pakistan
South Africa will be eyeing a place in the World Test Championship final with an all-seam attack against Pakistan in the first Test, starting Thursday.
Delhi girl Pratika makes an impactful first impression as India all-rounder
Spin-bowling all-rounder Pratika Rawal has stepped into the spotlight while vying for an opening spot previously held by the explosive Shafali Verma.
Can India conjure magic at MCG?
Four of their 10 wins in Australia have come in Melbourne, but the India batters will be tested in the Boxing Day Test
AI-driven attacks push cos to boost cybersecurity
With generative artificial intelligence, or GenAI transforming business operations, it is also contributing to escalating cyber threats.
Ola Opens 3,200 New Stores in Bid to Win Buyer Trust
Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. announced opening of 3,200 new stores in a single day, as India's biggest e-scooter maker seeks to expand its local footprint and address customer frustration related to shortcomings in service.
EPFO Adds 7.5 Lakh New Members in Oct
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) reported a net addition of 1.34 million members in October.
GST on Used Vehicles to Vary by Selling Enterprise's Nature of Biz
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on used vehicles will depend on the selling enterprise's nature of business, officials and experts clarified.
