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Thousands of contrite fans have publicly apologized to France captain Kylian Mbappe<\/a> during the current FIFA World Cup<\/a> via a viral online petition. The petition has now comfortably passed the 30,000 mark and gathered momentum during the forward’s impressive displays across North America this summer.<\/p>\n The \u2018Pardon Kylian\u2019 petition gives fans a chance to make up for years of persistent, often unfair criticism of the France captain. Mbappe has been criticized for a perceived lack of defensive work rate for much of his glittering career. But now his critics are scrambling to reverse their earlier, harsher verdicts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \nThanks for the submission!\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/template><\/p>\n The authors of the petition<\/a> wrote:<\/p>\n “France has behaved badly. We doubted, we criticized, we were ungrateful. It’s time to make amends.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n <\/template><\/p>\n The fun website even has a national shame cursor, where every visitor can rate exactly how many criticisms they once aimed at the star.<\/p>\n Kylian Mbappe\u2019s eye-watering numbers this summer have more than justified those heartfelt apologies. The Real Madrid<\/a> forward has already scored six goals and is just one shy of Lionel Messi<\/a>‘s current all-time FIFA World Cup record of 19 goals. He also broke Olivier Giroud’s record for France early on in the campaign to become his country’s outright all-time leading marksman.<\/p>\n Les Bleus sailed through Group I without dropping a single point, defeating Norway, Senegal, and Iraq in a manner that made them clear favorites for the trophy. Mbappe also earned his 100th cap for his country during that impressive group campaign. He remains a leader and a big part of Didier Deschamps’ star-studded squad.<\/p>\n France produced arguably the most complete performance of the entire competition in dismantling Sweden to book their place in the last 16. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, and Michael Olise was in scintillating form as they enjoyed a comprehensive 3-0 win over the Scandinavians in New Jersey on June 30 (ET).<\/p>\n The captain’s clever opener was his ninth knockout-stage goal at a World Cup, passing the record of Brazilian greats Leonidas and Ronaldo<\/a> for most in the tournament’s history. His well-taken double also saw him draw level with Messi in the race for this year’s Golden Boot.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Kylian Mbappe powers France to FIFA World Cup Round of 16<\/h2>\n