Kylian Mbappé Joins Real Madrid: After years of speculation and anticipation

After years of speculation and anticipation, Kylian Mbappé has finally joined Real Madrid. At 25, the French World Cup winner steps into a team brimming with talent and fresh off a remarkable European victory.

Mbappé is expected to don the number 9 jersey, despite not requesting a specific number for the upcoming season. His and Real Madrid’s mutual respect for Luka Modrić, who recently extended his contract, highlights the club’s unity and tradition. Similar to how Cristiano Ronaldo once waited for the iconic number 7, Mbappé might eventually aim for the prestigious number 10.

Real Madrid confirmed the deal on Monday, announcing a five-year contract with Mbappé. The star forward expressed his elation on X, sharing, “A dream come true. So happy and proud to join the club of my dream. Nobody can understand how excited I am right now. Can’t wait to see you, Madridistas, and thanks for your unbelievable support. ¡Hala Madrid!”

The addition of Mbappé enhances a squad already boasting young stars like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham. This move could potentially revive the Galáctico era, reminiscent of when the club featured legends like Ronaldo, Zidane, Beckham, Figo, and Benzema.

Mbappé’s club career has so far been with French teams, starting at Monaco and then a seven-year tenure at Paris Saint-Germain. His departure from PSG came after he chose not to renew his contract, leaving as a free agent. Back in 2021, Real Madrid’s bid of 180 million euros was rejected by PSG, despite it being the same amount PSG had paid Monaco for Mbappé as a teenager.

Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, has long prioritized signing Mbappé, a pursuit that dates back to when Mbappé visited Madrid’s facilities at age 14. Despite a significant offer in 2021 and Mbappé’s known desire to play for Real Madrid, he chose to stay at PSG after French President Emmanuel Macron urged him to continue his journey in Paris.

Real Madrid’s latest Champions League victory in 2022, which included a triumph over PSG in the knockout stages, set the stage for this long-awaited signing. Pérez’s comments post-rejection in 2021 reflected a sense of unfinished business, and now, securing Mbappé as a free agent brings a sense of closure and triumph.

Mbappé’s accolades are extensive: winning the World Cup at 19, scoring a hat trick in the World Cup final at 23, and claiming seven French league titles and four French Cups. His goal-scoring prowess is unmatched, evidenced by his record as PSG’s all-time leading scorer with 256 goals, including 175 in the French league.

Although Mbappé couldn’t secure a Champions League title with PSG, his remarkable track record and undeniable talent now find a new stage at Real Madrid. This transfer not only marks a new chapter for Mbappé but also sets the stage for what could be a transformative era for Real Madrid.