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Real Madrid soccer star Kylian Mbappé has indicated he might be in attendance when the Cincinnati Bengals face the Atlanta Falcons in NFL Week 9 at the Santiago Bernabéu, the stadium he calls home, as reported by Fox 19's Jeremy Rauch. The prospect of Mbappé watching the game has excited Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II, who both spoke about how special it would be to have him there.
Higgins, a standout receiver for Cincinnati, expressed his admiration for Mbappé's speed and skill on the pitch. "I watch him on TV all the time," Higgins said. "It's so crazy, bro. How do you run that fast dribbling a ball on your feet? That's crazy." The Bengals receiver's comments highlight the mutual respect between athletes from different sports.
Mbappé, 27, signed a five-year contract with Real Madrid in 2024 and has quickly become a prominent figure in the Spanish capital. His potential presence at the NFL game would add star power to the international series, which aims to grow the league's global footprint. In October, Mbappé got fitted in football pads during a visit with Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, further fueling speculation about his interest in American football.
Key Analysis
Mbappé's possible attendance underscores the growing crossover appeal between soccer and American football, especially in Europe. The Bengals-Falcons matchup in Madrid is part of the NFL's international series, and having a global icon like Mbappé in the stands could significantly boost the event's visibility. Both Higgins and Lawrence recognize the value of such attention, as it brings additional excitement to the game and highlights the shared athletic prowess across sports. The article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer.
Originally reported by yahoo.