While many fans tuning into Bangla Cricket Live have shifted their attention to a new generation of football stars, questions remain about whether the Messi and Ronaldo era is truly over. Kylian Mbappé, the French forward known for his lightning-fast pace and bold style, has often been seen as the symbol of this transition. Reports suggest that Mbappé can sprint at speeds of up to 37 kilometers per hour, a stat that sparked comparisons to a young Michael Owen during the 1998 World Cup in France.
Owen, who was only 18 at the time of his breakout performance, recently appeared on a talk show where he discussed the similarities between himself and Mbappé. “He’s a year older than I was back then,” Owen said. “But there are many parallels. He scored twice last week, and even won a penalty under circumstances very similar to my own. We were both just young kids making our mark on the biggest stage.” Still, Owen was quick to draw the line when it came to superiority. “Mbappé is clearly a phenomenal talent—already famous before the World Cup, scoring loads for PSG, quick and direct like I was. But I’m not ready to say he’s better than me.”
The conversation didn’t end there. Real Madrid star Gareth Bale also weighed in, cheekily claiming he might be even faster than Mbappé. “I think I was quicker—I’ve done it before, but honestly, who knows? The numbers can be off. One thing’s clear: Mbappé is a top player. Watching someone attack like that is a joy.” With Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar all stepping back from the World Cup spotlight, Mbappé has naturally been pegged as the new face of international football. Yet Bale doesn’t believe the legends are finished.
“There’s this idea that their time is up, that a new era has begun with Mbappé as the symbol,” Bale remarked in a separate interview. “But I don’t buy into that. I’m sure Messi and Ronaldo still believe in themselves, and I know they’ll keep pushing. Whether they choose to continue or not is up to them, but for their countries, they’re still incredible assets.”
As the debate over the future of football continues, Bale pointed out a timeless truth: “There will always be new stars. It’s the nature of the game—whether in the past, now, or the future. That’s the magic of football, and that’s what makes it so exciting.” He even estimated his top sprinting speed at around 38 kilometers per hour, adding with a laugh that he wasn’t quite sure.
For Bangla Cricket Live viewers tracking sports icons across different fields, this story highlights how legacies evolve and how every generation brings its own heroes to the pitch. Whether it’s Mbappé, Messi, or the next breakout star, one thing is certain—football never stops delivering new legends. And on platforms like Bangla Cricket Live, fans will always be there to witness it unfold.