Mbappe Signs With Real Madrid: Football’s Biggest Transfer Saga Ends

Real Madrid has officially announced the signing of Kylian Mbappé on a free transfer, marking the end of a years-long pursuit to bring the French superstar to the club.

“Real Madrid C. F. and Kylian Mbappé have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons,” the Spanish champions said in a statement.

Mbappé’s Departure from PSG

Mbappé revealed last month that he would leave Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the end of the season when his contract expired.

“A dream come true, so happy and proud to join the club of my dreams,” Mbappé said in a post on X. “Nobody can understand how excited I am. I can’t wait to see you, Madridistas, and thanks for your unbelievable support. ¡Hala Madrid!”

Contract Details

Sources have told ESPN that Mbappé has signed a five-year deal worth €15 million ($16.2m) annually after taxes. Additionally, he will receive a €150 million signing bonus spread throughout his contract.

Real Madrid’s Recent Success

The reigning La Liga champions Madrid recently lifted their 15th European Cup by defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley.

Mbappé’s Career Highlights

2017, after making a significant impact at Monaco, Mbappé nearly joined Real Madrid but chose PSG instead, following a record-breaking deal for a teenager worth €180 million ($195.4m). During his tenure at PSG, Mbappé became the club’s captain and all-time leading scorer with 255 goals, winning six Ligue 1 titles in seven seasons.

He also achieved international success with France, winning the World Cup in 2018 and scoring a hat trick in the 2022 World Cup final, although France lost to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

Despite his success, Mbappé could not lead PSG to a Champions League victory, losing the only final he played in 2020. He also failed to score in both semifinal legs against Dortmund this season.

A Second Chance at Real Madrid

The 25-year-old, already the third-highest scorer in France’s history, nearly joined Madrid two years ago but changed his heart and extended his contract with PSG until June 2024. He later expressed no regrets over that decision.

Mbappé joins a star-studded Real Madrid attack featuring Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo.

Upcoming Challenges

Mbappé will aim to inspire France to their third European Championship in this summer’s tournament in Germany. However, he was notably left off the preliminary squad for the Paris Olympics in July and August.

Madrid fans eagerly await Mbappé’s debut and his potential impact on the team’s future successes.