Kylian Mbappe refers to Barcelona star as ‘boss’ after Euro 2024 performance
French superstar Kylian Mbappe referred to Barcelona defender Jules Kounde as "boss" in a comment on Instagram following France's 5-3 win on penalties over Portugal in the Euro 2024 quarter-final on Friday (July 5) in Hamburg.
Taking to Instagram, Kounde shared a few snaps of himself from the quarter-final clash vs Portugal, celebrating France's qualification to the semi-final.
"Heading to the semis!! A team win" the Frenchman wrote.
Kylian Mbappe responded heartily in Kounde's post, calling the Barcelona star a "boss." William Saliba also called him the same in the comments, while Theo Hernandez reacted with a love eyes emoji.
Jules Kounde was one of France's best players on the pitch in the Euro 2024 clash against Portugal. In 120 minutes, the defender made four clearances and recoveries each, won eight duels, and had a 89% passing accuracy.
He was also one of the five French players to score from the spot during the shootout, leading France to the semi-finals. It's no surprise that Kounde garnered praise from his teammates.
Kylian Mbappe has joined Barcelona's rivals Real Madrid this summer
Earlier this year, on June 3, Kylian Mbappe left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to join Barcelona's bitter La Liga rivals, Real Madrid. The transfer is widely considered one of the most hyped ones in recent times.
Kounde and Mbappe will likely be facing each other more often as they will be a part of the legendary El Clasico rivalry. However, that is if Kounde doesn't leave the Blaugrana this summer.
Mbappe's PSG beat the Blaugrana 6-4 on aggregate in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals last season before losing to Borussia Dortmund in the next round.
Although Mbappe didn't perform up to the mark in the Champions League first leg, which Barca won 3-2, they made a stunning comeback in the second, with a 4-1 win. Mbappe scored twice, including one penalty and another goal in the 89th minute.
However, PSG lost 2-0 on aggregate to Borussia Dortmund in the semi-final, with Kylian Mbappe's new club Real Madrid eventually beating the Bundesliga giants 2-0 in the final to win their 15th Champions League. Mbappe's transfer to Los Blancos was made official a day after.
It remains to be seen how Mbappe fares against the Blaugrana in the upcoming season. However, all eyes are now on the ongoing Euro 2024 as France take on Spain in the semi-final on Tuesday (July 9) in Munich.