Kylian Mbappé faces former club Paris Saint-Germain for the first time since leaving for Real Madrid on Wednesday (July 9), with the European heavyweights going head to head in the semifinals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey.

Mbappé and PSG’s tense relationship

The French superstar’s move to the Spanish capital was, of course, a controversial one, with PSG unhappy about the manner in which they perceived their former attacker forced his exit from the club.

Additionally, despite being a boyhood fan of the club, Mbappé initiated legal proceedings against the Parisians over unpaid wages and bonuses, although he has at least dropped a moral harassment claim against his former employers.

Real Madrid striker extends olive branch to former club

According to the Associated Press, a person close to the 26-year-old is hoping for some form of reconciliation with PSG, which he potentially hinted at in a somewhat cryptic Instagram post just hours before going to battle with them.

To the bemusement of Real Madrid fans, Mbappé posted a picture on Instagram Stories of him playing - celebrating a goal or calling for a pass? - for Paris Saint-Germain, the very team he will be desperate to do damage to at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday.

Will Mbappé start against PSG for Real Madrid?

There is no guarantee he will start the game, however, after a recent illness, especially given the superb form of young Madrid striker Gonzalo García.

Mbappé scored 256 goals in 308 games in all competitions for PSG between 2017 and 2024, becoming the club’s all-time top goalscorer.

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