Faith Nyasuguta
Kylian Mbappe has officially joined Real Madrid on a five-year contract, ending weeks of speculation about his move to the Spanish champions.
The club announced on Monday evening, “Real Madrid CF and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement whereby he will be a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons.”
Mbappe shared photos from his childhood wearing Real Madrid’s iconic white kit, including one with club legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Expressing his excitement, Mbappe described the move as a “dream come true.” The announcement was strategically delayed until after Real Madrid’s Champions League final victory, which they won 2-0.
The 25-year-old French captain is joining Real Madrid on a free transfer. His contract includes a substantial £85 million bonus spread over five years, alongside an annual post-tax salary of £12.8 million.
Mbappe had announced his departure from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in May, after a seven-year stint during which he scored 256 goals in 308 matches, making him the club’s top scorer. This season alone, he netted 44 goals.
Earlier on Monday, Mbappe informed French President Emmanuel Macron of his imminent transfer during a visit to the national squad. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best players, Mbappe was unable to secure the Champions League title for PSG, a trophy the club’s owners have long coveted.
His prospects for European success are likely to improve at Real Madrid, where he joins a star-studded lineup including England’s Jude Bellingham and Brazil’s Vinicius Junior.
Mbappe’s notable achievements include scoring a hat trick in the 2022 World Cup Final, although France lost to Argentina on penalties. He is also closing in on becoming France’s all-time top scorer, needing just 11 goals to equal Olivier Giroud’s record.
This milestone is within reach as Mbappe looks to lead France deep into Euro 2024. The French national team will begin their Euro 2024 campaign on 17 June, facing opponents like Poland, the Netherlands, and Austria.
Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid marks a significant chapter in his career, fulfilling a long-held ambition. As he joins the European champions, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his presence will further elevate the already formidable squad and contribute to their pursuit of more titles.
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