Micah Richards praises Mbappe with a playful football poem

Kylian Mbappe was given an unexpected tribute after Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Inter, with Micah Richards turning his congratulations into a playful poem. The former England and Manchester City defender recited lines portraying Mbappe as football’s machine, praising his speed, finishing and journey from Paris to Madrid. Mbappe reacted with amusement.

The moment came during a CBS Sports broadcast featuring Richards alongside Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher. Mbappe had joined the programme by video after Real Madrid opened the league phase with a 2-1 victory over Inter. Richards introduced the tribute before reading it from his phone, then celebrated his own performance as the studio’s other analysts congratulated him.

Mbappe had already shaped the result at the Santiago Bernabeu. The France captain put Madrid ahead in the 14th minute after receiving the ball from Brahim Diaz, although he later missed several chances in a match where Inter were generally the stronger side.

The 27-year-old was also asked about his Ballon d’Or ambitions. He described the award as a target but placed greater importance on winning the Champions League with Madrid, the club he has long wanted to represent. His first European appearance of the season therefore brought both a decisive goal and a memorable television tribute.