The announcement that every Real Madrid fan has been waiting for over the past seven years finally arrived. This time it was no fake or social media montage: “Kylian Mbappe is a new player for Real Madrid,” declared the club on its website, causing a global sensation.
This is one of the most high-profile and impactful signings in the history of football and possibly sports. The announcement came just a few days after Real Madrid secured their 15th Champions League title, marking a monumental moment for the club.
The signing of Kylian Mbappe by Real Madrid is the epitome of a saga, filled with ups and downs, love and heartbreak, culminating in a happy ending for the club. The French superstar and Real Madrid have signed a five-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2029.
The journey to Mbappe‘s signing began nearly two years ago, shortly after he left Real Madrid at the altar in May 2022. Under immense pressure from Paris, France, and Qatar, Mbappe renewed his contract with PSG just when Real Madrid had everything ready to welcome him.
Despite the disappointment, reconciliation quickly followed, laying the groundwork for the signing this summer. Florentino Perez, the president of Real Madrid, secured Mbappe, who worked diligently to ensure his freedom by June 30, 2024, a year earlier than initially agreed with PSG.
Florentino Perez and Mbappe executed a flawless strategy last summer to finalize the signing of the century. Perez made PSG uneasy by denying any ongoing negotiations, while Mbappe remained resolute in his decision not to extend his contract with PSG. This impeccable plan ultimately brought Mbappe to the Santiago Bernabeu.
A Long-Awaited Arrival
Mbappe (born in Paris in1998) arrives in Madrid at 25, after seven years of being the club’s most coveted target. This signing has undoubtedly been the most challenging for Perez since he took over Real Madrid in 2000.
Attempts were made in 2017 when Mbappe played for Monaco, but he chose PSG due to uncertainties about his starting position at Madrid.
Another effort was made in 2021, but PSG rejected a 200 million euro offer. In 2022, without negotiations, Mbappe renewed with PSG under significant pressure. Finally, on the fourth attempt, and just when many Madrid fans had resigned to the idea that he might never wear the white jersey, Mbappe joins Real Madrid.
Mbappe joins a champion team with far better economic conditions than he would have had in 2022. His ambition is to win everything with his new club, eyeing the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or.
Already a World Cup winner and a finalist in another with France, Mbappe’s next step is to succeed at the club level, and he believes Real Madrid is the perfect stage to achieve this. Real Madrid, for its part, now has its new Galactico, a game-changing player both on and off the field.
The club enters a new dimension, bringing together stars like Bellingham, Vinicius, and Mbappe in the world’s best stadium. It’s the perfect move for all involved.