Mbappe’s Madrid move ‘a dream come true’

Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The France international will join the Spanish and European champions on a five-year contract once his current deal with PSG expires at the end of June.

Mbappe expressed his excitement in a statement on social media following the announcement:

“A dream come true, So happy and proud to join the club of my dream, Real Madrid. 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 25-year-old is currently with the French national team, Les Bleus, ahead of UEFA Euro 2024. Despite his previous hopes of representing his country at the Olympic Games in Paris later this summer, the Olympic squad announced on Monday did not include him.

Real Madrid, fresh from their record 15th UEFA Champions League victory over the weekend, announced Mbappe’s signing on a contract running until 2029 at the Santiago Bernabeu. The star forward is reportedly set to wear the number 9 jersey upon his arrival from PSG.

During his six-year tenure at Parc des Princes, Mbappe won six Ligue 1 titles and four Coupe de France trophies. He also played a key role in PSG reaching one UEFA Champions League final and two semifinals. His recent season saw PSG reach the semifinals, where they were defeated by Borussia Dortmund, who subsequently lost 2-0 to Real Madrid in the Champions League final at Wembley.

Mbappe, who hails from Bondy, began his professional career with AS Monaco. He gained international acclaim with Monaco’s 2016-17 Ligue 1 victory and France’s triumph in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His outstanding performance also led France to the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, where they narrowly lost to Argentina in a thrilling match that saw Lionel Messi, then his PSG teammate, emerge victorious.

Joining Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, Mbappe is expected to bolster an already formidable attacking lineup that includes Champions League final hero Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and fellow new signing Endrick.

Familiar faces at Real Madrid include compatriots Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy, all part of France’s squad for this summer’s Euro, with Mbappe serving as captain for the tournament favorites.