Can you picture a young boy in Paris, his walls adorned with Cristiano Ronaldo posters, living every day in a Real Madrid training kit? That boy, Kylian Mbappé, saw his childhood dream come true at just 13 years old.
In late 2012, young Mbappé visited Real Madrid’s iconic training ground, Valdebebas, with his family. This magical visit was orchestrated by none other than Zinedine Zidane, who personally extended the invitation.
“Zizou invited me in his car to visit Valdebebas. It felt like a dream… I kept thinking, am I still dreaming on the plane?” Mbappé recalled. He even witnessed his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, score at the Santiago Bernabéu in a match against Espanyol.
“We just wanted our son to visit Real and be happy, not to convince Real to sign him for the academy,” his mother, Fayza Lamari, shared about that unforgettable trip.
Kylian Mbappé’s Grand Return to Madrid
Fast forward to today. Kylian Mbappé is back at the Santiago Bernabéu, this time as Real Madrid’s new number 9. The stadium is packed with 85,000 eager fans, all there to witness his grand debut.
After 578 days of anticipation, Mbappé, now 25, has inked a five-year contract with Real Madrid following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. He completed his medical at Valdebebas and was officially presented to the fans at the Bernabéu.
“It’s incredible to be here,” Mbappé expressed in Spanish. “I dreamt for many years about playing for Real Madrid, and today that dream comes true.”
Madrid proudly announced Mbappé’s signing last month, concluding their long pursuit of the star forward who had come close to joining them in both 2017 and 2022.
“I want to thank the president [Florentino Pérez] first,” Mbappé said. “He believed in me from day one. A lot happened, but now I’m here. I’m a Real Madrid player. Since I was a kid, I had one dream: to play here. Being here means a lot to me. Now I want to achieve another dream—being at the level of this club, the best in the world. I can promise one thing: I’ll give everything for this club and this badge.”
Though the excitement was palpable, some seats at the 85,000-capacity Bernabéu remained empty, despite tickets being free for club members and selling out quickly.
Joining Mbappé and Pérez on stage was Madrid’s honorary president, Pirri, and club legend Zinedine Zidane, who had first invited Mbappé to Real Madrid back in 2012.
“Congratulations on achieving your dream,” Pérez said. “I know how excited your family is. You fell in love with Real Madrid as a boy. You were here at this stadium at 13, and I know you’ll never forget that day in December 2012 when Zidane invited you to Real Madrid City. Your love for Real Madrid has given you the strength to overcome every obstacle to be here as a new Real Madrid player. Today you’re here because you wanted to be. Your will has overcome all adversity. Thank you for making an effort to wear this shirt.”
Earlier, Mbappé underwent his medical at the Sanitas clinic in La Moraleja, Madrid. Doctors examined his broken nose, an injury from France’s opening game at Euro 2024. It’s still uncertain if further treatment or surgery will be necessary.
Following his presentation to the fans, Mbappé will face the media in his first press conference as a Real Madrid player.
