Regarding covering the NBA, TNT’s?’Inside the NBA’ is arguably the biggest show. A Hall of Fame-worthy cast of Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson has won hearts all around. A blend of fun and intelligent analysis of basketball makes it one of the most popular sporting shows. Notably, the crew has won a total of eleven Emmys so far. However, with soccer’s biggest competition, the FIFA World Cup in proceedings, even the legends can’t help but follow the enthralling action. Especially, Barkley, who spoke highly about France’s wonderboy, Kylian Mbappe.

In modern soccer, only a few names might be mentioned above the talents of Mbappe. The 23-year-old master marksman is the highest-paid soccer player on the planet, and he is proving just why on the grandest of stages. As the French look to repeat their 2018 World Cup success, Mbappe is leading the way. As the top goal scorer in the competition, the forward has been on a tear. And it was no different in their Round of 16 game against Poland. The youngster netted two goals and bagged an assist to take France through to the quarter-finals.

Likewise, he has created a huge buzz around his name. So much so that even NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley knows just how lethal the French forward truly is.

Charles Barkley glorifies Kylian Mbappe after a fantastic World Cup night

The ‘Round Mound of Rebound’ is mostly known for his unforgiving and candid breakdown of the NBA. It might be his rant about the Los Angles Lakers or his comedic arguments with Shaquille O’Neal. However, recently, he has used his NBA show to make comments about the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Likewise, on a night when France beat Poland, the 59-year-old gave props to the star of the match.

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Notably, he said, “They got that boy Mbappe over there in France, he ain’t no joke.”?

NBA fans spoke on both sides after watching Barkley completely butcher the Frenchman’s name. Some were left crying on the floor as the Hall of Famer struggled to pronounce Mbappe’s name. On the other hand, there were some who wanted the show to stick to the happenings of the NBA.

Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:

https://twitter.com/heluvszu/status/1599447984600596481?s=20&t=VCvPGfhdMyzPCQnBHQFzuw

This isn’t the first time Charles Barkley spoke openly about the FIFA World Cup. Notably, with the USA a part of the competition, the award-winning analyst was behind his side. Right before their Round of 16 game against the Netherlands, he took time to talk some trash. However, that didn’t end his way as the Dutch ended the USA’s campaign, beating them 3-1 in the end.

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While Barkley won’t be able to support the United States of America anymore this World Cup, it seems like he has his eyes on Kylian Mbappe.

With five goals under his belt so far, do you think the French forward will win the 2022 FIFA World Cup’s golden boot? Let us know your views in the comments below.