2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Prizms Gold #80 Kylian Mbappé 10/10 - BGS 8.5 | World Cup Prizm Debut

Legends are often made on the largest of stages, and few have forged a legacy as brilliant as a teenage Kylian Mbappé did at the 2018 World Cup.

Part of a superb French side, one of the most memorable sides in international soccer history, Mbappé was nothing short of stunning. With four goals in the tournament including two against Messi’s Argentina side, Mbappé exploded onto the world stage and was honored with the Best Young Player award. His tally in the World Cup Final against Croatia, a marvelous thumper from outside the box, sent his teammates on the touchline into a frenzy and proved to be the final clincher for France’s second ever World Cup title.

Through the tournament, comparisons were made freely to another wunderkind that led his nation to victory as a teen: the mighty Pelé. Following the 2022 World Cup, where Mbappé willed his side back to yet another World Cup Final, supporters may not be too far off. As far as the Brazilian legend was concerned, Mbappé had already done enough. After France’s 2018 victory, he simply said “Welcome to the club.”

Panini’s ties to international soccer are quite deep. In 1970, less than a decade after Panini S.p.A. was founded in Modena, Italy, Panini published their first FIFA World Cup sticker collection for the global tournament hosted in Mexico. These stickers, as well as Panini’s World Cup cards, captivated the masses and they have been a fixture around the world ever since. 

In recognition of the 20th FIFA World Cup in 2014, Panini introduced a set from its new and incredibly popular brand Prizm dedicated to that year’s World Cup in Brazil. The set, 2014 Panini Prizm World Cup, took advantage of Panini’s signature Prizm style and paired it with the game’s best stars both past and present. After a stellar initial release, the set would return again four years later. The 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup set honors a spectacular tournament filled with global icons such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo but ultimately dominated by Kylian Mbappé. 

Mbappé accomplished unthinkable feats during the 2018 tournament. While representing France, Mbappe managed to become the youngest player to score while appearing for the country. Mbappé would establish a lasting link with Pelé when he scored again, this time in the World Cup final, and became the second youngest player to score in a title match. Reflecting his spectacular showing in Russia, Mbappé’s print in the 2018 Prizm World Cup set has become both a de facto rookie card in the eyes of many collectors as well as a celebration of his mesmerizing powers. The Prizms Gold parallel shown here is one of the most desirable variations in the set. Limited in production to just 10 prints, the serial number “10/10” is stamped on the back to denote its place as the last card stamped in the run. 

This card has been authenticated and deemed to be in Near Mint-Mint+ condition, receiving a grade of 8.5 from Beckett Grading Services (BGS).

The BGS certificate number for this card is: 0012085519.

Going Deeper - Kylian Mbappe

The Les Bleus Prodigy

Likely the most coveted and celebrated player of his generation, Kylian Mbappé has been a global force surrounded by the best his country has to offer since arriving quite early on the major soccer scene.

Despite being recruited heavily by Real Madrid and French sporting icon Zinedine Zidane, a fourteen-year old Mbappé chose to stay in Ligue 1 and sign with AS Monaco. His senior team debut in December 2015 came just ahead of his 17th birthday and broke the great Theirry Henry’s record as the youngest player in the history of the club. History with Monaco didn’t end there as the next season Mbappé powered the club to their first domestic league title since the turn of the century with 15 goals in 29 appearances.

The following summer, Mbappé made headlines as he moved back to his hometown in a deal that saw Paris St. Germain shell out over $195 million making him the second most expensive transfer ever behind new teammate Neymar. In Paris, Kylian rose to become possibly the most dangerous forward on the planet, netting over 250 goals over a span of seven seasons. Naturally, his trophy case has become rather impressive, with a stunning seven Ligue 1 titles and four wins in the Coupe de France to go along with being a five-time Ligue 1 Player of the Year. What he likely is most known for, however, is his exploits on the world stage.

In his service with the French national team, Kylian Mbappé has repeatedly raised his game to the highest possible level. In 2018, the fresh faced Mbappé earned the Best Young Player award as he powered his country to its first World Cup victory since the Zidane and Henry teams of old. Dramatically, he outshined the great Lionel Messi and Argentina in a Round of 16 showdown in which Mbappé netted a brace to put France on top and stake his claim to being the best player in the world in spite of his youth.

His rivalry with Messi reached new heights four years later when the two faced off again in possibly the most memorable World Cup final ever played. Mbappé was singularly brilliant and truly unstoppable as he twice carried the French back from deficits imposed largely by two Messi goals. His hat trick in the Final would earn him the Golden Boot award as well as the French side chances to win in regulation, extra time, and the shootout. Though Argentina and Messi came out ahead, there was little doubt of Mbappé’s stature as the game’s best after that day.

In the summer of 2024, Kylian made a long-awaited and much-rumored move from PSG to the club that was first keen on signing him as a teen, Real Madrid. Joining forces with the reigning and 15-time Champions League winners, Mbappé is looking to capture one title that has still evaded him to date: Champion of Europe.