The pair returned to Russia three months later and would combine in some key moments on France’s march towards World Cup glory.

When Mbappe scored the only goal of France’s group-stage win over Peru, Pogba laid the foundations, dispossessing Paolo Guerrero mid-way inside the Peruvian half and teeing up Olivier Giroud, whose deflected shot was tapped in by the teenager.

Against Argentina in the last 16, it was another Pogba tackle, this time on Lionel Messi, that precipitated the lung-bursting 70-yard sprint by Mbappe that set France en route to a stunning 4-3 win, the youngster winning a penalty that was converted by Antoine Griezmann.

At a pivotal juncture in the final in Moscow, with France defending a slender 2-1 lead against an enterprising Croatia team, the duo linked up again. Pogba’s sublime half-volleyed pass from inside his own half sent Mbappe scampering down the right wing and after his cut-back had been helped on by Griezmann, Pogba scored at the second attempt to carry France to within touching distance of the trophy. Mbappe added a goal of his own six minutes later, drilling home from range to become the youngest World Cup final goalscorer since a 17-year-old Pele in 1958.

The two players assumed appropriately prominent roles during the trophy presentation, Mbappe standing beside Hugo Lloris as the France skipper hoisted the golden statuette into the air and Pogba sprawling himself on the sodden turf in front of the podium.