Kylian Mbappe becomes panda godfather

French Football star Kylian Mbappe and Chinese Olympic Champion diver Zhang Jiaqi became godparents of two baby pandas, revealing their names during a ceremony at the Beauval Zoo in Saint-Aignan on Tuesday.

The three-month-old babies named Huanlili and Yuandudu were born to Huan Huan and Yuan Zi, mother and father, on a 10-year loan from China to highlight good ties with France.

Mbappe said he felt lucky but a sense of responsibility in protecting an endangered species.

Zhang in turn said she hoped both newborn pandas would grow and be freed in a "more generous, welcoming and endless nature."

Giant pandas have difficulty breeding and their pregnancies are notoriously difficult to follow.

IMAGE: AP