After years of fervent attempts to acquire the young talent, Real Madrid finally secured the signing of Kylian Mbappe in June, when he chose to opt out of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Mbappe, who had previously played club football exclusively for French teams—beginning at Monaco and then moving to PSG where he spent seven seasons—has completed a significant chapter in his footballing journey.
Kylian Mbappe, who had long harbored dreams of donning the iconic white jersey, finally appeared clad in Real Madrid’s colors at the legendary Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The momentous occasion saw an impressive turnout, with approximately 80,000 fervent fans filling the stadium to greet the star.
The ceremonious introduction on the hallowed grounds of the Bernabeu transpired following Mbappe’s five-year contract signing with Real Madrid in the presence of club president Florentino Perez. As Mbappe ascended the stage, the audience’s roar of approval amplified. Donning the revered No. 9 jersey, Mbappe’s broad smile and enthusiastic waves to the adoring crowd added another layer of emotion to the event. His jubilant embrace with Perez and former Real Madrid luminary Zinedine Zidane, who had invited him to the club for the first time when he was just a teenager, marked a symbolic passing of the torch.
“It’s an incredible day for me,” Mbappe addressed the crowd in Spanish. “Since being a kid, I’ve dreamed about playing for Madrid, and today I’m here. It means a lot to me.” His words were met with a wave of cheers and applause, underscoring the collective euphoria that permeated the stadium.
Surrounded by relatives, club officials, and several former players on the stage at the Bernabeu, which had its roof closed for the midday ceremony in the Spanish capital, Kylian Mbappe appeared to fully embrace the enormity of the moment. Children affiliated with Mbappe’s foundation were also present, highlighting the forward’s broader community efforts beyond the pitch.
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Further punctuating the celebratory tone were displays of Real Madrid’s record 15 European Cups, prominently showcased on the stage where Mbappe was introduced. The large video boards at the newly revamped Bernabeu flashed the message “Welcome, Mbappe,” as scenes from some of the club’s most historic moments graced the screens accompanied by the operatic strains of “Nessun Dorma.”
Adding to the nostalgia, childhood images of Mbappe donning a Real Madrid jersey and posing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo were projected, evoking a deeply personal narrative that spanned several years.
Perez, in his address, called Mbappe’s presentation a “historic act” for the club. “Today we welcome an exceptional player who is fulfilling his childhood dream,” Perez expressed. “You are here because this is something you wanted. We thank you for making a great effort to be able to wear this white jersey.”
This momentous signing follows France’s unfortunate exit from the Euro 2024 semi-finals at the hands of Spain, arguably adding a layer of motivation for Mbappe as he joins Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s quest to sign Mbappe has been a saga of its own. Perez made bringing Mbappe to the club a strategic priority ever since the club’s initial attempt to recruit him at age 14 when Mbappe visited the club’s facilities, only to later join Monaco’s youth academy. In 2021, Madrid even made a substantial offer of 180 million euros, matching the amount PSG had paid Monaco for the young prodigy, an offer that PSG promptly declined.
The presentation event not only symbolized the culmination of Real Madrid’s relentless pursuit but also marked the beginning of a promising new chapter. As Mbappe embarks on this monumental phase of his career, Real Madrid supporters can hardly wait to witness how this new addition will shape the club’s future endeavors.
Thus, the dream held by both the club and the player has finally been realized, ushering in an era filled with hope, excitement, and endless possibilities for Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe.
