MBAPPE | Preview (BBC One)

What makes Kylian Mbappe so special? From tough Paris suburbs to the pinnacle of football, this exploration of Mbappe’s generational talent uncovers the influences and opportunities that led him to become one of the best players in the world, and a cultural icon.

Fascinating insight from former French legends Thierry Henry and Hugo Lloris, current manager Didier Deschamps and former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger bring to life both Mbappe’s career-changing struggles and his phenomenal successes.

Delving deep into his upbringing in Bondy, friends and coaches share their memories of Kylian’s early flair and the grounding influence of his parents while Henry’s insights on the prestigious Clairefontaine academy, and Manchester City star Bernardo Silva’s recollections of Kylian’s arrival in the Monaco first team, reveal how a teenage Mbappe was able to hone that drive and talent.

Charting the highs and lows of his career, this documentary brings to life Deschamps’ harnessing of a footballing gift that enabled Mbappe to emulate Pele in the 2018 World Cup final, but also explores Mbappe’s devastation after missing a crucial penalty at Euro 2020 and the racist abuse that followed.

Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate reveals Kylian’s growth as a dressing room leader at the 2022 World Cup, particularly in the dramatic final in which Mbappe’s hat-trick cemented him alongside Lionel Messi as a global footballing great.

From his early grassroots matches in Bondy, to leading his country, this documentary charts Kylian’s meteoric rise to World Cup winner and heir apparent to Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi.

This is the definitive story of a footballing prodigy. Airs this May on BBC One.