Kylian Mbappé's move to Real Madrid,it is seen as a perfect match in the world of football. Kylian Mbappé's move to Real Madrid, fin...
Kylian Mbappé's move to Real Madrid,it is seen as a perfect match in the world of football.
Kylian Mbappé's move to Real Madrid, finalized last Sunday, marked the end of a saga characterized by power, money, politics, and ambition.
The story, which began with early flirtations and evolved through presidential interventions and Qatari investments, was reignited by a letter in 2023. Throughout 2024, a series of increasingly definitive rumors and reports gradually solidified what was once merely probable into the inevitable. Mbappé resolved to depart from Paris Saint-Germain, communicated his decision to the club, agreed to terms with Real Madrid, and announced his upcoming exit. He has even arranged his new residence in Spain.
The news of his move to Madrid evolved into the most poorly concealed secret in sports, casting a shadow over him and two nations.
Yet, now it stands as a perfect union in the realm of football.
It's an exceptional alignment of a superstar with a superclub.
With the ink now dry on the contracts and official declarations imminent, a childhood dream has been realized.
🚨⚪️ Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid, HERE WE GO! Every document has been signed, sealed and completed.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 2, 2024
Real Madrid, set to announce Mbappé as new signing next week after winning the Champions League.
Mbappé made his decision in February; he can now be considered new Real player. pic.twitter.com/MMqEp1C0pK
This outcome was the only logical conclusion to the saga, even after Mbappé turned down Real Madrid in 2022. He did not seriously entertain or negotiate with any other clubs this time, as there was only one that could fulfill and elevate his ambitions.
Madrid was the team that featured on the posters in his childhood room. That's the sentimental narrative, one that will likely be emphasized to overshadow the more skeptical perspective — the notion that this move is somewhat of a competitive surrender. Mbappé did not secure the Champions League title during his seven seasons with PSG. His decision to join a team that appears to win it consistently, reminiscent of Kevin Durant's move to the Golden State Warriors, has not gone unnoticed.
The true narrative is one that's pragmatic and rational. The integration is flawless. Real Madrid, in terms of tactics, culture, and commerce, was essentially the only club that could truly embrace Mbappé's talent and fame.
His transfer will inevitably lead to comparisons with his former superteam, and the Lionel Messi-Neymar-Mbappé trio that epitomized PSG from 2021 to 2023. Their shortcomings will inevitably raise a compelling question: Can we be certain that Mbappé will succeed at Madrid?
However, his new offensive trio — Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham, who are arguably the top three players in the world right now — will present a stark contrast.
Messi and Neymar are (and were) dominant players who dictate the play. Neither is known for defending. Messi is not one for extensive running. Both excel as the main attraction, but when PSG had multiple stars, it disrupted the team's equilibrium and synergy.
In Madrid, flexibility won't be an issue, as Mbappé, Vini, and Bellingham all possess it.
While PSG had to construct a team around specific players, Madrid will integrate Mbappé into an already well-established team.
Indeed, the team's structure will remain largely unchanged. Madrid has triumphed in Spain and Europe this season with a somewhat unconventional 4-3-1-2 formation, featuring Vini and Rodrygo as dynamic forwards moving from the sidelines to the center, and Bellingham just behind them. Mbappé will likely take over Rodrygo’s role — a position he seems perfectly suited for — and enhance the team's dominance.
At best, he would provide Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid's astute manager, with fresh options and dynamism. Mbappé has the versatility to play centrally in a trio, as part of a duo up front, or on the flanks. He could assume the role of a traditional striker in a 4-3-3 formation, flanked by Vini on the left and Rodrygo on the right, with Bellingham playing a deeper role. Alternatively, he could fit into a 4-3-1-2 setup, bringing more direct attacking force, increased pace, more goals, in short, more of everything.
"The clinical number nine," Bellingham remarked on Saturday following a 2-0 Champions League final win against Borussia Dortmund, "is perhaps the only small element that the current Real Madrid squad is lacking."
"If he were to join and bring that quality," Bellingham commented about Mbappé, "we would be in an exceptionally great position. He would elevate us to a new level."
His arrival is not expected to cause disruption in the Real Madrid dressing room. Reports suggest that players have welcomed the news of Mbappé's signing with enthusiasm rather than skepticism or discomfort. Mbappé, who is considered humble and personable, should easily integrate with teammates like Vini, Bellingham, and his fellow Frenchmen Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, among others.
His salary is reported to be not as exorbitant as the offers from two summers ago by Real Madrid and PSG. His annual earnings of approximately $16 million align more closely with those of Vini and Bellingham. He is also set to receive a substantial signing bonus, said to be over $100 million, and will maintain certain image rights. The contract's structure is designed to aid in his assimilation with the team.
While Messi and Neymar overshadowed PSG, Real Madrid is an institution where no individual eclipses the club. Mbappé will join a club with established infrastructure and systems that are adept at supporting stars of his caliber. His presence will enhance the team's footballing potential, yet it is the club that may boost his stature even more than he enhances theirs.
Thus, the wealthy will become wealthier.
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