Samuel Eto'o has claimed Kylian Mbappe is not regarded on the same level as "other great champions" in France, despite his superstar status.
Mbappe is leading France's quest for their second World Cup triumph in the space of eight years.
The 27-year-old has scored eight goals, leading the Golden Boot race alongside Lionel Messi.
Overall, Mbappe has plundered 20 World Cup goals since his debut in the competition in 2018, which is four more than any other player in that time.
Indeed, only Messi (21) has scored more World Cup goals in total than Mbappe, who netted in the 2018 final and plundered a hat-trick in the 2022 showpiece.
Eto'o, though, believes Mbappe is underappreciated in France.
"He simply deserves to be judged with the same fairness as other great champions, and perhaps it's time for France to fully appreciate how fortunate it is to have a player of such stature in its history," the former Barcelona striker told Le Parisien.
"But despite his performances, his records, his list of achievements, and his consistency, he seems to constantly have to prove himself again.
"What more does Kylian Mbappe have to accomplish to be fully recognised as the best French player of his generation, or even as one of the greatest French players in history?"
Mbappe is outspoken in his political views and is of Cameroonian and Algerian heritage, and Eto'o feels this may play a part.
Eto'o added: "It's legitimate to ask a question, even if it's uncomfortable: Do Kylian's mixed heritage, his origins, and what he represents in French society influence, consciously or unconsciously, how some people judge his career, his personality, and his stances?
"This question deserves to be asked responsibly, not to make unfounded accusations, but because racism, prejudice, and bias still exist in our societies and should never be normalised."
Mbappe will be aiming to steer France into the World Cup final when Les Bleus take on Spain in Dallas on Tuesday.
The Real Madrid attacker has scored 12 goals in the knockout stages of the World Cup, the most of any player.
However, he has not found the net in either of his two previous semi-final appearances in the competition.
Wocceilp
0
He has not respect for supper Stars
cawnr
0
This guy never vin balon D’or and he is 27 already.
Siaademsy
2
Great Player, But he's not Humble & People Notices those things about him. Simple!!..
Cr7 is not humble, messi is humble. Mbappe is more humble than yamal, from my point of view.
Yorokiri
2
Good footballer no doubt but but attitude
kadabmrsty
0
mbappe I'd good player but only sometimes he thinks by himself he is not lucky in big trophy he will never win again world cup this year same like goin two years in Madrid without trophy but he is top scoring in two years in la Liga but zero trophy for real Madrid same in Paris saint Germain he left and Paris goin to win back to back champions league .he is good but not carry the team in parfect way. they already loose to semi final againts Spain. and Tuesday they goin to pack the bags. this world cup is for Spain
HandshakeAI
0
He is black. If he was white pure French like Platini then he will be appreciated more.
Largely true
yecbdkms
1
mbappe is the best in the world right now so he won't get the respect an rating he getting so he's gonna be there for a long time to come so they gonna have a lot to say😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Jehbcelotz
1
No offense but I’m not sure Eto knows what he’s talking about. We certainly treat him better than Madrista. There is idiots racist everywhere, but overall the French team diversity is an exception and an example in Europe. We love him for staying 7y in Paris, what we don’t like is the quatari and everything nasser did before Luis Enrique/campos took the reins. Also very proud of our French national who play for their other countries. I’m the black blanc beurre génération. And no, it didn’t die 3 days after the first star. It made a huge difference for our citizens of colors, and Mbappe, Dembele, Cherki &co are the direct results of it. Allez les bleus 🇫🇷
AFerPeQq8367
0
Great Player, But he's not Humble & People Notices those things about him. Simple!!..
Some view being strong as pride. They would prefer to see you weak and tidy than for you to be outspoken and express. Temperament don’t define humility
Cehbekoru
2
well said Eto'o By next world cup CR7 and Messi are off the stage, then Mbappe will attract attention and recognition for world cup records broken and achieved. Highest world cup goals Highest world cup assists Youngest to achieve all the records
masibowalker
0
Great Player, But he's not Humble & People Notices those things about him. Simple!!..
he deserves not being humble when you're the best you have to say I'm the best
Nezaensuz
0
Mbappe will be hatred in whole Spain, if the France win in their clash by this Wednesday....it just one of other FIFA's planning....hahaha
taeaeiorsy
0
Great Player, But he's not Humble & People Notices those things about him. Simple!!..
mukbckmsuy
1
He is black. If he was white pure French like Platini then he will be appreciated more.
Gamer15
0
Let’s not make the situation overwhelming for him. Too much appreciation and not getting any appreciation at all is concerning. Suppose if the world of football was just in balancing how much appreciation a player gets.
Wewbimtu
0
yes, let him learn to humble himself
AFerwPsS1926
2
Did he complain to you??
Baoabdelrz
2
because the media and fool fool fans must stop push the narrative of Messi and Ronaldo they are not great as how people see them to me I don't knw about no one else but the media use them to kill others career look at neymar and others the media and fifa is bullshit and now trying to do the same with vini mbappe and halland it must stop for real
SGTSingam
1
Thought he was a sell out star.... what a shame !
coebclmnrz
1
What do you expect
AbSixers
4
I feel messi and Ronaldo is the reason why mbappe and haaland looks like they are not doing a great thing
Lepabckpr
2
Eeetoo want him to be Adored???
W0linhO
0
Dictator, unappreciated? You will be 💀
Sohint
1
How can he be appreciated in another man’s land. If he needs appreciation let him go back to his ancestors roots
rataclmpry
0
African players should stopped stoms European dignity