Kylian Mbappé's 'Ninja Turtle' Nickname: How a French Football Star Got His Unique Moniker
Meet Donatello, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle
French football fans may be familiar with the playful nickname bestowed upon their star player Kylian Mbappé: "Ninja Turtle." But where does this unlikely moniker originate from, and how did it become synonymous with one of the world's most renowned footballers?
A Striking Resemblance
The origins of Mbappé's "Ninja Turtle" nickname can be traced back to his peculiar physical resemblance to the animated character Donatello from the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. With his tall, slender frame, angular features, and piercing gaze, Mbappé bears an uncanny likeness to the fictional turtle.
It was his French teammate, Marcus Thuram, who first made the connection during the build-up to Euro 2024. Thuram's playful comment sparked a viral sensation, with fans and media outlets alike embracing the nickname.
Interestingly, Mbappé himself has acknowledged the resemblance with good humor. In a recent interview, he joked, "I'm not sure if I should be offended or flattered, but I guess it's a compliment in its own way."
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