Kylian Mbappe described Cristiano Ronaldo as a "footballing legend" and "one of a kind" as the superstars prepare to meet in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals.

For many, the major subplot of between Portugal and France in Hamburg on Friday is the head to head between their captains.

Mbappe has previously called Ronaldo his idol and he spoke in glowing terms about the 39-year-old striker who has said he is playing in his last Euros.

"Everyone knows just how much I admire Cristiano Ronaldo as a player," Mbappe said on Thursday in the pre-match news conference. "Over time, I have been lucky to brush shoulders with him, to get to know and have a chat with him. We are still in contact. He is always helping me – he keeps up with what is going on in my life and he gives me tips. It's an honor for me, especially when we think about what he has done for the footballing world. Regardless of what has happened before or what happens after, he will be a footballing legend."

Mbappe recently signed for Real Madrid, where Ronaldo starred from 2009-18, and now he could bring an end to his rival's European Championship career.

So, does he see it as a "passing-of-the-baton" occasion?

"No, I think that he is one of kind," Mbappe said. "There is only one Cristiano Ronaldo, there will only ever be one. I am following my own path. My dream of playing at Real Madrid is coming a reality. I hope that I will also be able to mark football but I am not going to write the next chapter of Cristiano Ronaldo's story. I hope I will be able to be one of a kind at Real Madrid and be completely different."

Mbappe, who was the top scorer at the 2022 World Cup with eight goals, has netted only once in three games at Euro 2024 – from the penalty spot – as the French struggle to get their attacking game flowing.

Indeed, no French player has scored from open play, the team's other two goals being own-goals.