Have you heard of Project Mbappe?
Youth football talent is in the spotlight like never before, with millions of young players and their parents dreaming of becoming the next Kylian Mbappé. The phrase “Project Mbappé” has taken off as a viral trend, tagged over 214 million times on TikTok, with countless videos showing young footballers training, practising, and aiming to emulate the French superstar’s rise to fame.
But this isn’t just a social media phenomenon—organisations worldwide are ramping up efforts to nurture future football talent FIFA’s 2023 Global Talent Development Scheme is a prime example. With a $200 million investment, the initiative plans to set up high-performance academies in 75 member nations by 2027. This initiative reflects a commitment to equipping young athletes with the tools and resources needed to reach their full potential, and potentially follow in Mbappé’s footsteps.
In light of this, LiveFootballTickets has explored the early traits that could indicate a child’s potential for success in the sport. Parents hoping to gauge their young athlete’s future prospects can look for specific behaviours and tendencies that set certain children apart early in their football journey.
Project Mbappe
Here are the top signs experts say you should look out for:
- Natural Athleticism
Children who display strong physical coordination, agility, and balance from a young age may have the athletic foundation needed for football success. These kids often excel in running, jumping, and moving quickly in various directions.
- Exceptional Ball Control
A knack for handling a football with ease—whether dribbling, passing, or shooting—can set a child apart early on. The ability to instinctively control the ball with both feet is a key skill that future stars often develop early.
- Game Intelligence
Young players who demonstrate a deeper understanding of the game’s tactics and strategy often have the potential to become elite. If your child seems to naturally read the flow of the game, anticipate plays, and make smart decisions under pressure, it’s a strong indicator of future success.
- Leadership Qualities
Children who naturally take charge on the field—whether by motivating teammates or showing initiative during games—often display leadership qualities that can be essential for football success at higher levels.
- Endurance and Stamina
Football requires both mental and physical stamina. Kids who can maintain their energy, focus, and intensity throughout an entire match, without showing signs of fatigue, may have a promising future in the sport.
- Passion for Practice
A child who spends hours outside of regular practice working on their skills or who studies professional games intently may have the intrinsic motivation necessary for long-term success in football.
- Resilience and Determination
The ability to bounce back from setbacks—whether it’s a tough loss or a missed goal—can be a strong predictor of future success. Kids who show resilience and determination to improve often go on to achieve great things in sports.
See my book Be Resilient Be You to encourage children in their bouncebackability
Project Mbappe in action
Recognising these early signs can help parents nurture their child’s football talent and set them on the path to becoming a superstar. They can achieve this by:
- Enrolling them in local training programs and offering consistent encouragement to boost their confidence.
- Building a network with coaches for valuable guidance, while establishing a structured training routine and balanced diet to support physical development.
- Encouraging casual play to foster creativity and teamwork, and teaching resilience by framing challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Fostering a positive passion for the game involves creating a fun environment for playing football so your child can develop a love for the sport while modelling sportsmanship and teamwork.
- Encouraging skill development and a growth mindset means supporting skill development through enjoyable practice drills and teaching your child that mistakes are valuable opportunities for growth.
These practices create a supportive environment that empowers children in their journey to becoming football stars – lets get Project Mbappe started!
Further reading
How to introduce your kids to sports
