Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe 2022 World Cup final in Qatar was perhaps the most dramatic climax in the tournaments storied history.It was a match packed with momentum swings and individual brilliance, as Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi were the headliners, accounting for five of the six goals before the South Americans dethroned the defending champions on penalties.Mbappe became the second player to net a World Cup final hat-trick when he dragged his side back from the brink to force extra time, before his side fell agonisingly short.Leboeuf on Mbappes 2022 eruptionFor Frank Leboeuf, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, Mbappes late surge, which saw him score 80th and 81st minute goals to force extra time, remains as extraordinary as it was bewildering.We didnt play for 75 minutes, Leboeuf tells FourFourTwo. That was when Kylian decided to show up. You may like From his first tournament, Kylian Mbappes talent was so clear. He had such a huge impact on the team that summer and was decisive in the final Olivier Giroud on Kylian Mbappes international emergence Weve seen with other France captains in the past that wearing the armband brought out the best in them. Kylian Mbappe understands that he has to do the same Frank Leboeuf on Mbappes leadership qualities World Cup winner reveals identity of France monster who could take Les Bleus to third straight final At this stage, France were 2-0 down following first-half strikes from Messi and Angel Di Maria, a showing that Leboeuf believes flicked a switch in Mbappes mind.Our performance until that stage had clearly made him angry, and suddenly you saw this explosion, he adds.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.This was then the set-up to create the narrative of which this final will forever be remembered.You saw how difficult it is to contain a player with his ability for 90 minutes. It became the Mbappe vs Messi final.Former Chelsea defender Leboeuf is convinced that without Mbappes intervention, the final would have done and dusted early doors.We almost won that final it would have been almost entirely thanks to Kylian.And for Leboeuf, it is this quality that separates the very good from the very best.The greatest players save their best for the biggest stage, he adds. Stages dont come any bigger.TOPICSFranceWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromEd McCambridgeStaff Writer
