'Kylian Mbappe is superhit': PM Modi says PSG star has more fans in India than France

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an address to the Indian community in Paris on July 13 reflected on India's decades old relationship with France. During his speech, PM Modi drew attention to the increasing presence of international players in India and specifically highlighted the growing popularity of Kylian Mbappe, the captain of the French national football team, among Indian fans. He noted that Mbappe is widely recognized and admired in India, even more so than in his home country.

3 things you need to know

• PM Modi is in France for diplomatic purposes
• PM Modi addressed the Indian Community in France on July 13, 2023
• Kylian Mbappe is a French Footballer who plays for Ligue 1 club Paris ST-Germain

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PM Modi mentions the name of footballer Kylian Mbappe

PM Modi is known to be fully aware of the primary highlighters of whichever nation he travels. The leader of the largest democracy in the world is currently in France and as is often the case, the Prime Minister received a rousing welcome in the European nation. On Thursday, PM Modi expressed his enduring affection for France during an engagement with the Indian community at La Seine Musicale in Paris, acknowledging his longstanding connection with the country. He recalled the founding of the Alliance Française in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, around 40 years ago, and proudly stated that he was the cultural center's first member in India. 

As the PM is an enthusiastic promoter of sports in India, thus the sporting matter also made its way into his speech. He mentioned the game of football and took the name of the sport's modern-day great Kylian Mbappe. PM Modi stated that Mbappe is widely recognised back home and said that the player may have more fans in India than in his native land. 

"French football player Kylian Mbappe is superhit among the youth in India. Mbappe is probably known to more people in India than in France," ANI quoted PM Modi as saying.

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Kylian Mbappe transfer saga

As the football summer transfer window is open, Kylian Mbappe is heavily linked with Real Madrid. The transfer saga of Mbappe is at the height of its extent as the player has denied to extend his contract with PSG. Mbappe's contract with the French giants is scheduled to expire in 2024.