Mbappé’s Dream Realization at the Santiago Bernabéu
“Buenos días a todos,” Kylian Mbappé greeted the crowd, a warm smile on his face. “Bear with me, I’m going to try to speak in Spanish.” The audience erupted in applause, appreciating his effort. No apologies were needed; his fluent Spanish resonated with the 80,000 Real Madrid fans gathered at the Santiago Bernabéu for his highly anticipated presentation last month.
“Wow, it’s incredible to be here,” Mbappé continued, visibly moved by the reception. “I’ve dreamed for many years of playing for Real Madrid. I want to especially thank all the ‘Madridistas’ for the love and affection they have shown me over the years; it has truly touched my heart.”
It’s not uncommon for players to express their lifelong dreams of joining a prestigious club. However, it is rare for a player, especially one who has consistently scored crucial goals against their new team and has publicly turned down offers to join, to convey such heartfelt gratitude.
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In this case, the message resonated deeply. Mbappé’s story of growing up as a passionate Madrid fan, idolizing legends like Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, has become part of the folklore surrounding the club. He began learning Spanish as a teenager, preparing himself for the day he would don the iconic white jersey of Madrid. Long before his arrival following his exit from Paris Saint-Germain, many in the Spanish capital felt a connection to him.
During his presentation, Mbappé stood alongside Madrid president Florentino Pérez, who had long pursued him. Earlier that morning, he had visited the club’s training ground, greeted his new coach Carlo Ancelotti, and signed his contract in the club’s offices. The ultra-modern facilities at Valdebebas have evolved significantly since his first visit in December 2012.
Back then, the club went all out to impress the young talent, who had just turned 14. Zidane, at that time an advisor to Pérez, accompanied him throughout the visit, fostering a bond that would last a decade. This special moment was a highlight during Mbappé’s unveiling, where previously unseen footage of their interaction during one of his trial games was showcased.
Mbappé also experienced the electrifying atmosphere of the Bernabéu during that visit, as Zidane hosted him and his family for a league match against Espanyol. Although the match ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw for Madrid, Mbappé left with unforgettable memories, especially after meeting his idol Ronaldo post-match. A photograph of that encounter was proudly displayed in his childhood bedroom in the Parisian suburb of Bondy.
Despite the emotional weight of those experiences, Mbappé and his family made pragmatic career choices. The following summer, he turned down an offer from Madrid, opting to join Monaco’s youth system instead. “I wasn’t ready to go abroad and leave my friends and my country behind,” he later reflected in an interview with Le Parisien.
Nonetheless, the bond between the boy from Bondy and the Bernabéu remained strong. As he debuted in Ligue 1 with Monaco at just 16 years old, fans in Madrid eagerly watched his ascent. By the time he scored 26 goals in 44 games during his first full season, the anticipation in Madrid was palpable.
In the summer of 2017, at just 18, Madrid and Monaco agreed on a staggering €180 million transfer. However, following Zidane’s advice, he made the strategic decision to join PSG instead. That season, fate would see Madrid and PSG clash in the Champions League’s Round of 16, marking Mbappé’s first encounter with the team he had always dreamed of playing for.
In February 2018, during the first leg in Paris, Mbappé showcased his talent, providing a cross that led to a goal from Adrien Rabiot. However, Madrid rallied back, winning 3-1 with Ronaldo netting two goals. The return leg saw Madrid progress, but the allure of the Bernabéu had only intensified for Mbappé.
Having won the World Cup with France in the summer of 2018, Mbappé’s focus shifted primarily to PSG. Yet, Madrid fans never forgot about him. When Eden Hazard was signed from Chelsea in the summer of 2019, chants of “We want Mbappé” echoed throughout the Bernabéu, highlighting the longing that persisted among supporters.
UEFA drew PSG and Madrid together again in the 2019-20 Champions League group stage. Although injury sidelined Mbappé for the first match, he made a notable return in the second leg, his presence commanding the attention of the sold-out crowd. As the line-ups were read, fans whistled for Gareth Bale but cheered loudly for Mbappé, underscoring his status as a fan favorite.
Despite a 2-2 draw, the conversations surrounding Mbappé’s potential move to Madrid intensified. Reports in Spanish media suggested an agreement was already in place for him to join Madrid on a free transfer at the end of his PSG contract. However, as PSG was not inclined to sell, many at the Bernabéu viewed Madrid’s €180 million offer in the summer of 2021 as more of a gesture than a genuine expectation.
The drama heightened when Madrid faced PSG in the Champions League Round of 16 in February 2022. With only four months remaining on his contract, hope surged in Madrid that he would soon be theirs. Mbappé’s brilliant performance in the first leg displayed his exceptional talent, yet it also stoked the flames of hope and frustration for Madrid fans.
In the return leg at the Bernabéu, Mbappé was even more dominant, creating multiple opportunities and scoring a goal that seemed to seal the tie. Yet, the magic of the Bernabéu was undeniable, as Madrid staged a remarkable comeback, with Benzema scoring a hat-trick in quick succession, securing their place in the next round.
The aftermath of that match left many in Madrid believing that the dream of having Mbappé in their ranks was still alive. The next time he visited Madrid with PSG, the media buzz was electric, and expectations ran high. Details were meticulously reported about his whereabouts, including his stay at the Eurostars Madrid Tower and dining at popular local restaurants frequented by Madrid players.
But when PSG announced that Mbappé had signed a new contract, the disappointment in Madrid was palpable. The club won another Champions League trophy later that year, yet the shadow of Mbappé’s decision lingered.
For two years, Mbappé stayed away from Madrid until whispers of his eventual departure from PSG resurfaced in January 2023. With one foot out the door, excitement among Madrid fans reached a fever pitch, especially when he excelled in the Champions League, leading PSG past Barcelona.
Finally, in July 2023, the long-awaited moment arrived. During his presentation, Mbappé walked into the Bernabéu’s sleek press room, holding the model of the stadium he had received as a child. “I felt a lot of pressure this morning,” he admitted. “I wanted to enjoy every moment, if my nerves allowed me. The passion and love from the fans are unbelievable. I feel like a cherished member of this family.”
This deep-rooted connection between Mbappé and Madrid has spanned over a decade, culminating in this momentous occasion. As he prepares to don the iconic white jersey, fans eagerly await the spectacle of seeing him in action. The anticipation will climax on Wednesday night in Warsaw when Madrid faces Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, marking the beginning of a thrilling new chapter in Mbappé’s storied career.
(Top photo: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
