The Gift of The Gifted

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ, SOCCER'S NEXT SUPERSTAR, WAS IMPRESSIVE IN FRANCE'S RUN FOR THE WORLD CUP, BUT IT WAS HIS ACT OF GENEROSITY AFTER THAT STIRRED HEARTS

IT WAS THE most exhilarating moment of World Cup 2018. Kylian Mbappé, the 19-year-old French forward, embarked on a 60-yard run through the middle of the field, blew past Argentina's Javier Mascherano and left defender Marcos Rojo so befuddled by his skill and speed on the ball that all he could do was bring Mbappé down for a penalty. Mbappé would go on to score two goals in the 4--3 Round of 16 victory and add another in France's 4--2 win over Croatia, becoming the first teenager to score in a World Cup final since Pelé in 1958.

Yet Mbappé's most inspirational move of the year happened after Russia 2018: He donated all of his tournament earnings—around $500,000—to the charity Premiers de Cordée, which gives free sports instruction to disabled and hospitalized children in France. His gesture was a remarkable one, especially from a teenager who will influence the next generation of star athletes. "[The money] doesn't change my life, but changes theirs," Mbappé told Time.