Kylian Mbappe signs five-year deal with Real Madrid after dramatic transfer saga

Real Madrid has officially announced the acquisition of Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, concluding a long-standing transfer saga.

“Real Madrid CF and Kylian Mbappe have reached an agreement for him to become a Real Madrid player for the next five seasons,” the club announced.

Mbappe expressed his excitement on social media, calling the move “a dream come true.”

“I am so happy and proud to join my dream club @realmadrid. Nobody can understand how excited I am right now. Can’t wait to see you, Madridistas, and thank you for your unbelievable support,” Mbappe shared.

Reports from Spain indicate that the French forward will earn $38 million per season.

This announcement follows just days after Real Madrid secured their 15th UEFA Champions League title. Earlier on Monday (June 3), Mbappe hinted during a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron that Real Madrid would officially unveil him later that evening.

Mbappe’s departure from PSG on a free transfer means the French club misses out on a substantial financial gain, having turned down a $200 million offer from Madrid in 2021.

The announcement was expedited due to France coach Didier Deschamps’ desire to have Mbappe’s future settled before the start of the Euros. However, Mbappe is likely to be officially presented as a Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernabeu in mid-July, given France’s expected progression in the tournament.

Mbappe will bolster a strong Madrid forward line that already includes Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, with Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler, and Joselu also in the mix, and Endrick set to join from Palmeiras. This depth positions Real Madrid for potential long-term dominance in world football.

Real Madrid emphasized Mbappe’s importance by rejecting a request from France Under-21 manager Thierry Henry to release him for the Paris Olympics.

“Real Madrid were very clear about the Olympics. The last time I received so many rejections was in university. There haven’t even been negotiations. You ask, they say no, and you leave,” Henry remarked at a press conference.

Men’s Olympic football teams are typically limited to players aged 23 and under, but they are allowed to include up to three overage players, which would have allowed the 25-year-old Mbappe to participate.