The legendary defender has lauded the France international over his cultural impact on the next generation of footballers
Rio Ferdinand says Kylian Mbappe is the number one role model for his two sons, Tate and Lorenz, as they track the Paris Saint-Germain star's career while nursing the ambition to become footballers themselves.
Without a pause, Ferdinand says that Mbappe is the one inspiring the next generation of footballer that includes his own sons.
He thinks that it is more than Mbappe's pace, ability to score goals and exciting style of play that attracts the eye and adds that his off-field persona is also appealing.
"Mbappe is number one for them because he has scored so many goals, big goals and he has played in World Cups," Ferdinand told Goal. "They see that as success and something that they want to be able to do. Yes, he is a superstar but he is a nice and humble guy.
"They love his vibe. I like him being a role model for them because he says all the right things. His endorsements even are with the right companies. More importantly, when he signs a new deal, he has his family all around him. As a superstar, he is one I like my kids to follow.
"They also like [Virgil] Van Dijk and my older one is a goalkeeper. His favourites are David de Gea, Ederson and Marc-Andre ter Stegen."