In this article, we will take a closer look at Kylian Mbappé’s transfers, his journey towards his dream, and how that dream became a reality with his transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024. Mbappé’s career has been marked by immense talent, hard work, and determination which ultimately paid off with his move to one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. Join us as we explore the path that led Kylian Mbappé to his dream destination and the impact his transfer had on the football world.
Childhood and Dreams
Kylian Mbappé, one of the most electrifying talents in modern football, grew up as a fervent fan of Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo. As a young boy, his room was adorned with posters of Ronaldo, and he would often mimic Ronaldo’s famous “Siuuu” celebration while playing for AS Monaco. His admiration for Ronaldo was profound, and this passion drove him to dream big in his own football career. At the age of 14, Mbappé had a dream come true when he visited Real Madrid’s training ground by the invitation of Zinedine Zidane. During this visit, he met his idol Ronaldo and took a photo with him, a cherished memory that he holds onto dearly to this day.
In his youth, Kylian Mbappé idolized Cristiano Ronaldo. His room was a shrine to the Portuguese star, filled with posters and memorabilia. Mbappé’s early career at Monaco saw him emulating Ronaldo’s iconic goal celebrations. This deep-seated admiration for Ronaldo fueled Mbappé’s ambition to reach the pinnacle of football.
Early Interest from Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappé first caught the eye of Real Madrid at a young age. At just 13 years old, he drew the attention of Zinedine Zidane, who was then working with the youth academy of the “Royal Club.” Following an open conversation with his family, they collectively decided to decline the opportunity for the potential transfer, deeming it too soon. However, just two years later, Mbappé signed his first professional contract with AS Monaco.
AS Monaco
Kylian Mbappé’s professional career began with AS Monaco, where he joined the youth academy in 2013. His extraordinary talent quickly shone through, leading to his senior team debut in December 2015 at the age of just 16. The 2016-2017 season was his breakout year, as he played a crucial role in Monaco winning the Ligue 1 title for the first time in 17 years. Mbappé’s speed, dribbling skills, and goal-scoring prowess drew significant attention, making him one of the most coveted young players globally. He was instrumental in Monaco’s remarkable journey to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, netting key goals against top European teams. During the 2016-2017 season, Mbappé scored an impressive 26 goals in 44 appearances, a remarkable achievement for a teenager. His outstanding performances earned him the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award and a spot in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year. Mbappé’s tenure at Monaco was characterized by his rapid development and his ability to excel on the biggest stages, highlighting his potential to become a global superstar. His success at Monaco led to a high-profile transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2017, initially on loan, and later made permanent for a fee of €145 million plus €35 million in add-ons.
Paris Saint-Germain
In 2017, Kylian Mbappé moved to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), highlighting his rising status in world football. Initially joining PSG on loan, the transfer was made permanent in 2018 for €180 million, making him the second most expensive player ever at that time. At PSG, Mbappé quickly became a key player, forming a strong attacking trio with Neymar and Edinson Cavani. His speed, skills, and goal-scoring ability continued to impress fans and critics alike. Mbappé was crucial in PSG’s domestic success, helping the club win multiple Ligue 1 titles, Coupe de France trophies, and Coupe de la Ligue victories. He was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year several times and often finished as the league’s top scorer. In the UEFA Champions League, Mbappé played a vital role, especially during PSG’s run to the final in the 2019–2020 season, despite losing to Bayern Munich. Throughout his time at PSG, Mbappé’s influence grew, making him a global football icon. His popularity and impact on and off the field made him one of the most famous figures in the sport. As he continues to improve, Mbappé’s time at PSG has solidified his place as one of football’s brightest stars, with the potential for even greater achievements in the future.
Presidential Intervention in 2022
In 2022, Kylian Mbappé’s future with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) drew significant attention, even prompting intervention from French President Emmanuel Macron. As Mbappé’s contract was nearing its end, rumors of a potential transfer to Real Madrid intensified. Recognizing Mbappé’s importance to French football and the national image, President Macron personally reached out to the star player. He stressed how crucial it was for Mbappé to remain in Ligue 1, not just for PSG, but for the entire country. This direct appeal from the President underscored Mbappé’s stature as more than just an athlete but a symbol of French pride. Macron’s involvement highlighted the broader implications of Mbappé’s career decisions, showing how deeply his presence is felt beyond the sporting world. Ultimately, Mbappé chose to renew his contract with PSG, a decision influenced in part by Macron’s persuasion. This remarkable episode illustrates the profound impact of Mbappé’s choices and his significant role in both sports and French culture.
Dream Come True: Mbappé Joins Real Madrid in 2024
In 2024, Kylian Mbappé’s lifelong dream finally came true as he signed with Real Madrid. After years of speculation and numerous accomplishments at PSG, Mbappé made the highly anticipated move to the Spanish giants. The transfer marked a new chapter in his illustrious career, fulfilling a dream that began when he visited Real Madrid’s training ground as a teenager. Fans around the world celebrated the union of Mbappé and Real Madrid, anticipating new heights for both the player and the club. This move not only realized a personal aspiration for Mbappé but also promised to bring renewed excitement and success to the Bernabéu.
The excitement around his transfer was palpable, and the impact was immediate. According to El Chiringuito, Real Madrid sold over 7,000 shirts with Mbappé’s name and number through official club stores within 24 hours. These shirts, which went on sale on Thursday, July 11, brought in more than €800,000 through the club’s official online store in just one day, largely thanks to Mbappé’s immense popularity. The new home shirt with Mbappé’s name on the back is currently priced at €170, excluding delivery costs.
The presentation of Mbappé took place at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, drawing an impressive crowd of 80,000 fans. This turnout surpassed the numbers for Cristiano Ronaldo’s presentation, which attracted 75,000 fans, Eden Hazard’s 50,000, and Kaká’s 40,000. During his speech, Mbappé kissed the Real Madrid emblem and confessed that his greatest dream had been fulfilled that day. Mbappé will wear the number 9 jersey, and his contract with Real Madrid extends until the summer of 2029. This transfer not only marked a new chapter in Mbappé’s career but also highlighted his significance in the football world and his ability to captivate fans globally.
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