Mbappe Signs Real Madrid Deal: Kylian Mbappe has signed a contract to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his Paris St-Germain deal expires on 30 June.
The France striker verbally agreed to move to the Bernabeu in February and then announced in May he would leave PSG at the end of the season. Mbappe, 25, has now signed terms with Real Madrid and will move to Spain when the La Liga transfer window opens on 1 July. Madrid are expected to announce the deal next week and could formally present the forward at the Bernabeu before Euro 2024.
Mbappe, a World Cup winner in 2018, is PSG’s record goalscorer with 256 goals since he joined them from Monaco on an initial loan in 2017. He has agreed a deal with Real until 2029, earning 15m euros (£12.8m) a season, plus a 150m euro (£128m) signing-on bonus to be paid over five years, and he will keep a percentage of his image rights. The Frenchman will get the chance to play alongside Luka Modric, with the Croatian midfielder set to sign a new one-year extension with the club.
Modric, 38, came on as a substitute as Madrid won their 15th European Cup title with a 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday. The former Tottenham midfielder’s current deal expires later this month, but he is expected to stay for a further 12 months. German Toni Kroos, 34, made way for Modric with four minutes remaining on his final appearance for the club after 10 years.
Real Madrid will hold a trophy parade through the Spanish capital on Sunday night following their record-extending success.
Brief History of Mbappe
Kylian Mbappé Lottin, Born on December 20, 1998, in Bondy, a suburb of Paris, Mbappé’s journey from a prodigious talent to a global superstar is extraordinary.
Early Life and Youth Career
Kylian’s story begins in Bondy, where his father, Wilfried Mbappé, served as a football coach. This early exposure to the sport ignited Kylian’s passion for football. His mother, Fayza Lamari, a former professional handball player, contributed to his athletic pedigree. By the tender age of six, Mbappé’s talent was evident. He joined AS Bondy, where his father coached him, and his skills quickly outshone those of his peers.
Mbappé’s exceptional prowess soon caught the eye of major clubs. At 13, he joined the prestigious Clairefontaine Academy, a breeding ground for French football talent. This move marked the beginning of his meteoric rise.
Ascension at AS Monaco
In 2013, at the age of 14, Mbappé joined AS Monaco’s youth system. His debut for the senior team came just two years later, on December 2, 2015, making him the youngest first-team player in Monaco’s history at 16 years and 347 days. His first goal followed soon after, breaking Thierry Henry’s record as Monaco’s youngest-ever scorer.
The 2016-17 season was a breakthrough year for Mbappé. He played a pivotal role in Monaco’s Ligue 1 title win, their first in 17 years, and their impressive run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. His blistering pace, technical finesse, and composure in front of goal drew comparisons to legends like Pelé and Thierry Henry.
The Paris Saint-Germain Era
Mbappé’s exploits with Monaco sparked a bidding war among Europe’s elite clubs. In August 2017, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured his services on a loan deal that became permanent for a reported fee of €180 million, making him the second most expensive player in history.
At PSG, Mbappé’s star continued to rise. He formed a formidable attacking trio with Neymar and Edinson Cavani, later joined by Lionel Messi. His accolades with PSG are numerous: multiple Ligue 1 titles, Coupe de France victories, and individual honors, including Ligue 1 Player of the Year. His goal-scoring exploits, including being Ligue 1’s top scorer for four consecutive seasons, solidified his status as one of the world’s best.
International Glory with France
Mbappé’s international career with the French national team has been equally illustrious. He made his senior debut in 2017 and played a crucial role in France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph. His electrifying pace and decisive goals, particularly his performance in the final against Croatia, where he became the second teenager after Pelé to score in a World Cup final, earned him the tournament’s Best Young Player award.
In subsequent tournaments, Mbappé continued to be a key player for Les Bleus, including his participation in the UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Beyond the Pitch
Mbappé’s influence extends beyond football. Known for his philanthropy, he has donated substantial sums to charitable causes. His foundation, Inspired by KM, aims to help 98 children (a nod to his birth year) from Paris achieve their dreams. His maturity and eloquence off the field have also made him a prominent public figure.
