Vagner Love reveals Mbappé’s nickname at Monaco and defends Pedro in the national team

Former striker Vagner Love recalled details of his coexistence with Kylian Mbappé during his time in French football in 2016. Durante participating in a television program this Monday, the Brazilian revealed the nickname received by the current Real Madrid star when he was still starting his professional career. Love also commented on the current scenario of Seleção Brasileira’s attack and defended the summoning of Pedro, from Flamengo.

Memories go back to the 2015/16 season, when Love swapped Corinthians for Monaco after the Brazilian title. Naquela at the time, Mbappé was just 17 years old and was starting to gain space under the command of Leonardo Jardim. Segundo the former player, the young Frenchman’s physical impact was already evident in training, which led to curious nicknames behind the scenes at the principality’s club.

Apelido from Mbappé and impressive speed early in his career

The coexistence between the two attackers lasted little more than a semester, but it was enough to mark the Brazilian. Vagner Love recalled that Mbappé’s speed was the trait most talked about by the most experienced players in the squad. The group of Brazilian athletes who worked in Monaco used a specific pop culture reference to describe the attacker’s sprints.

• The young man was called Papa-Léguas by his Brazilian teammates.
• Love highlighted that the Frenchman was “quiet” and maintained a humble attitude towards everyone.
• His absurd speed already differentiated the athlete from other professionals at the time.
• Mbappé was in his first year on the main team when Love arrived at França.

The veteran joked with the hierarchy at the time by stating that “it was Mbappé who played with him”, and not the other way around. Essa perception reinforces how the development of the world star was closely followed by established names in Brazilian football, such as Fabinho and Jemerson, who were also part of that semifinalist group of Liga of Campeões.

Historical Vitória on Príncipes’s Parque with improvised attacking duo

One of the most memorable moments of the partnership occurred in March 2016, in a clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Monaco visited the rival stadium on a day celebrating PSG’s national title. Mesmo in an adverse environment, the Leonardo Jardim team managed to ruin the home team’s party with a confident performance from the front duo.

Love detailed that he opened the scoring in that match, which ended in a 2-0 Monegasque victory. The second goal was scored by midfielder Fabinho, from a penalty kick with a “cavadinha”. The result was symbolic in breaking a long taboo for the club without winning at their Parisian opponent’s home, solidifying the confidence of that generation that would become French champions the following season.

The center forward explained that his departure from França occurred just when Mbappé’s star began to shine even brighter. With the return of Colombian Falcao García after loan to Chelsea, Leonardo Jardim informed Love that the space in the starting team would be reduced. Sem resisted, the Brazilian opted for a friendly termination to move on to Turkish football, where he defended Alanyaspor.

Defesa of Pedro as Seleção Brasileira’s starting center forward

Após ended his career in Pernambuco football in March this year, Vagner Love has worked as an analyst of specific moments in the sport. Questionado about the lack of a fixed number 9 in the Carlo Ancelotti scheme for the Copa of the 2026 Mundo, he was direct in choosing. Para the former athlete, Pedro brings together the necessary characteristics that other competitors lack.

Love’s analysis takes into account the red-and-black striker’s technical phase, describing him as a “born center forward”. Ele considered that names like João Pedro, Matheus Cunha and Endrick have valuable qualities, but they often act more on the ends of the field or with mobility movements that deviate from the classic area function. Love’s experience in the position, with more than 400 career goals, supports his preference for the Flamengo player.

Love’s suggestion comes at a time of tactical transition at Brasil, where the search for an efficient finisher has been a recurring theme in calls. Como Winner of two editions of Copa América, the former player believes that trust in a specialist could be the difference for the national team’s offensive performance in the next World Cup.

Final Números and Vagner Love’s trajectory on the pitch

Vagner Love hung up his boots following a Retrô win over Ceará by Nordeste’s Copa. The striker left the field with significant marks, accumulating successful spells at clubs such as Palmeiras, Flamengo and Corinthians, in addition to a solid career at Europa. Identification with the Brazilian public remains high due to the charisma and efficiency demonstrated over two decades.

Consolidated statistics from the player’s career show:

• 943 official games played as a professional.
• 423 goals scored in various leagues around the world.
• Passagens marked by Rússia, França, Turquia and China.
• Dois bonds from Copa América to Seleção Brasileira.