In footsteps of Mbappe, French kids dream big

Money or the lack of it is part of the reason. France invests heavily in sports facilities, and there are pitches, parks and playgrounds across the Paris region and beyond, along with plenty of youth coaches and teams.

But as is also true the world over, soccer is attractive as a cheap pastime for kids from poorer families and as a possible escape route from working-class neighborhoods like Bondy.

So the success of Mbappe and other idols inspires and motivates.

Sari, the coach of the under-13 team, says the club's youngsters try so hard to play like Mbappe that they mimic and quickly master dribbles and feints like his. France defender William Saliba also is Bondy-born and made his start at the club. He, too, has his fans among its youngsters. Saliba has made one appearance for France in Qatar.

"Everyone learns by example," says Sari, who was born the same year as 23-year-old Mbappe and played against him when they both were boys.

"Our good fortune is that we have examples in the national team."

Parents say they understand that very few kids make it all the way to the top. But dreams cost nothing.

"When I watch the France team I get all emotional, because I think maybe one day my kid, too, will be with them," Rabiah Bertrand says. Her son, 12-year-old Ilan, scored from the penalty spot Saturday while she watched shivering on the sidelines through the 8-a-side match played in freezing temperatures.

"They tell themselves that what Kylian can do, they can do," she adds. "We parents dream, too. Everything is possible in life."