As we close into the new year, with the onset of the festive season we can see many footballers across the world in the true holiday spirit. Amongst the constant family celebrations and comfort, the French superstar Kylian Mbappe was spotted distributing Christmas presents to kids from local refugee centers in Paris.
In what was a heartwarming gesture, unlike other sporting stars he decided to take out time from his schedule and give these kids the best Christmas ever. After a sensational performance at the World Cup where he ended up as the highest goal scorer, he returned back to the PSG camp early only 60 hours after the final defeat.
The picture dates back to 2019 when the French forward in collaboration with the Paris Saint-Germain Foundation gave Christmas presents to more than 250 kids at a refugee center in Paris. As Christmas returns the picture has been circulating again on social media reminding everyone of Mbappe’s good deeds.
Why was Mbappe dressed as Santa Claus?
Mbappe was all suited up as Santa Claus to surprise the refugee kids and give them some exciting presents. All of this happened in 2019 before PSG’s final match against Amiens. The kids were given some very special treatment as they got VIP access to the dressing rooms of the players and to witness the match from some great seats in the Parc Des Princes.
PSG ended up winning the match 4-1 as Mbappe and Neymar both scored goals in the match to the delight of the children. The director of the PSG Foundation spoke about her vision and why she wanted the children to be a part of the club on that special day in 2019.
She said, “We wanted children in difficulty to experience this unique moment.” She then went on to add, “For them, it’s an unforgettable night and a very important moment for the club and its foundation.”
What is next for Mbappe and the PSG foundation?
The PSG foundation which was founded in 2000 has impacted the lives of several children with its welfare programs. It has opened various schools and offers many sporting activities to such refugee kids.
The stars like Hakimi and Mbappe take part in their proceedings regularly and interact with the kids. In December 2022, the French international was seen meeting disabled children as part of the foundation’s program.
