Kylian Mbappe, France’s star forward, expressed his elation as his much-anticipated transfer to Real Madrid was confirmed on Monday evening. The 25-year-old will join the iconic Bernabeu Stadium on a five-year contract following the expiration of his Paris Saint-Germain deal on 30 June.
Mbappe is set to earn 15 million euros (£12.8 million) annually, with an additional 150 million euro (£128 million) signing-on bonus spread over five years. He will also retain a percentage of his image rights. “Nobody can understand how excited I am right now!” Mbappe posted on Instagram. “A dream come true. So happy and proud to join the club of my dreams.”
Mbappe’s arrival comes as Real Madrid celebrates recent triumphs, including their La Liga victory and a record-extending 15th European crown after defeating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final. His addition is expected to herald a new Galacticos era, with the prospect of him playing alongside Brazil forwards Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, fellow new signing Endrick, and England midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Mbappe had verbally committed to joining Real Madrid in February and confirmed in May that he would leave PSG at the season’s end. He departs PSG as the club’s record goalscorer, having amassed 256 goals since his initial loan move from Monaco in 2017.
During his time at PSG, Mbappe scored 44 goals in 48 matches last season and topped the scoring charts in the French league for six consecutive years. His club achievements include seven Ligue 1 titles – one with Monaco and six with PSG – and four French Cup victories.
Internationally, Mbappe won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite France’s dramatic penalty shootout loss to Argentina in the final. However, he has yet to secure a Champions League title, having been a runner-up in the 2019-20 season – a goal he aims to achieve with Real Madrid, a club renowned for its success in Europe’s premier competition.
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