"We even have a station named after him" – Fans react as Narendra Modi claims Kylian Mbappe is more popular in India than France

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that Kylian Mbappe is more popular in India than his home country France. Subsequently, fans have taken to social media to engage in much-expected banter.

PM Modi is currently on a two-day visit to France in a bid to deepen the two countries' ties. He is set to be the Guest of Honor for the Bastille Day celebrations on French President Emmanuel Macron's invitation.

Ahead of the July 14 event, PM Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at the La Seine Musicale in Paris. Lauding Mbappe, he said (h/t ANI):

"French football player Kylian Mbappe is superhit among the youth in India. He is probably known to more people in India than in France."

Here's how the football fans reacted to PM Modi's recent comment:

@ANI Kylian Mhape is actually Marathi.
We even have a station named after him https://t.co/znvwy0zkYz

@ANI 🚨Kylian Mhape to Inter Kashi....Here We Go ☝️

@ANI Kylian maappe who?? 😭🤣.. jus godi things

@ANI Bihar ka londa hai humara

@ANI Modi announcing Mbappé to Real Madrid, HERE WE GO!

@ANI Mbappe to east Bengal here we go.........

Mbappe, 24, shot to fame at AS Monaco during the 2016-17 campaign as an 18-year-old. He registered 26 goals and 14 assists in just 2633 minutes of action, spread across 44 appearances. He also led his team to a memorable Ligue 1 triumph and the UEFA Champions League semi-final stage, beating Pep Guardiola's Manchester City on the way.

Following a stellar season-long loan spell, the Frenchman permanently moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a fee of €180 million ahead of the 2018-19 season. Prior to the start of the campaign, he guided France to their second FIFA World Cup victory in Russia, bagging the Young Player Award in the process.

Earlier last year, the right-footed attacker helped Les Bleus reach the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, despite his sensational hat-trick in the summit clash against Argentina last December, he failed to make Didier Deschamps' side back-to-back world champions.

At club level, Mbappe has led PSG to 13 trophies during his six-year stint, registering 212 goals and 98 assists in 260 games across all competitions so far. He is rumored to be interested in leaving the club for Real Madrid this summer following his decision of not extending his current deal at the Parc des Princes beyond 2024.

PSG lodge €110 million bid to rope in Kylian Mbappe replacement this summer: Reports

According to Fichajes, PSG have identified Napoli star Victor Osimhen as a top choice to replace Kylian Mbappe this summer. The club's top brass are impressed with the striker's physicality and scoring ability.

Luis Enrique's side have reportedly made a €110 million to rope in the Nigerian in the ongoing summer transfer window. However, they are unlikely to be successful in their attempt as Napoli expect a higher fee.

Earlier this week, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis identified PSG as the only team that can snap up their striker. He told Sportmediaset:

"The only club that can afford Victor now is Paris Saint-Germain. If Nasser Al Khelaifi wants to send in a bid around €200 million... we will wait and see what happens. I personally think that he will stay."

Osimhen, 24, has emerged as a hot topic of speculation due to his role in Napoli's Serie A glory last season. He netted 31 goals and laid out five assists in 39 games, contributing a goal and an assist every 84 minutes.