Real Madrid announce Mbappé signing: club statement, contract details, reactions
Real Madrid confirm Mbappé signing: as it happened
Headlines:
- Real Madrid announce Kylian Mbappé signing on five-year contract
- Mbappé set to be unveiled by Los Blancos after Euro 2024
- France striker expected to wear No. 9 shirt at the Bernabéu
- Mbappé in line to earn €15m a year, plus a large signing-on bonus
- 25-year-old moves to Spain after seven years with PSG
Check out some of our related articles:
Bellingham 'likes' Mbappé news
Jude Bellingham is among the nearly half a million X users who have hit 'like' on the Mbappé welcome video shared by the club on the social-media platform.
And on Instagram, Bellingham posted an 'exhaling in incredulity' emoji (I don't think that's its official description) over an image showing him in a Madrid attacking quartet also featuring Mbappé, Vinícius and Rodrygo.
CR7's reaction to Mbappé's Real Madrid move
Real Madrid's all-time highest scorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, has sent a social-media message to Los Blancos' newest signing.
Commenting on an Instagram post by Kylian Mbappé, Ronaldo wrote: "Excited to see you light up the Bernabéu."
Ronaldo, who now plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, spent nine seasons at Madrid between 2009 and 2018, scoring 450 goals in 438 appearances for the club.
Kylian Mbappé's mother and agent, Fayza Lamari, has been one of the most influential figures in the France striker's rise to the top.
AS USA's Joe Brennan profiles the woman behind the new Real Madrid star.
Mbappé eyeing Modric's No. 10 shirt - report
According to the French newspaper Le Parisien, Kylian Mbappé will begin life at Real Madrid in the No. 9 shirt, which has been vacant since Karim Benzema left for Saudi Arabia last year.
Le Parisien adds that Mbappé will then wait for the No. 10 shirt, currently worn by Luka Modric, to come available.
Out of contract this summer, Modric is set to renew at Madrid for another year, but at 38 is clearly approaching the end of his illustrious career at the Bernabéu.
Speaking to Spanish broadcaster RTVE after Madrid's Champions League win at the weekend, club president Florentino Pérez confirmed that Modric "will stay for another season".
AS USA's Joe Brennan takes a look at how to get your hands on what is set to be the most in-demand shirt of the summer.
Monaco congratulate former star on Real Madrid switch
Monaco, where Mbappé began his career, have posted on X: "From the Red and Whites' youth academy to playing for the Whites. All the best, Kylian Mbappé!"
Camavinga's reaction to Mbappé signing
Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who already plays with Kylian Mbappé in the France team, has posted this picture of the pair hand in hand:
Real finally lure Mbappé to Madrid
As the player-turned-broadcaster Jan Age Fjortoft illustrates in this X post, Mbappé's move to Real Madrid is the culmination of a long-held ambition. That said, Madrid certainly aren't getting their man at the first attempt.
My colleague Will Gittins has taken a look back over the club's years-long pursuit of the striker.
Kylian Mbappé joins a growing list of French players who have played for Real Madrid. Some have been brilliant; others, rather less so.
AS USA's Andy Hall takes a look at the Gallic hots and nots in Madrid's history.
Madrid have confirmed that Mbappé will join the club on a five-year contract, but (unsurprisingly) did not go into details on how much they plan to pay the World Cup winner.
AS USA's Will Gittins, however, is ready to get into such matters. He has the lowdown on Mbappé's expected salary at the Bernabéu.
Militão to Mbappé: Let's win another UCL
Real Madrid defender Éder Militão is another player who has taken to social media to welcome his new team-mate to the Bernabéu.
"Let's go after the 16th [European Cup]," is his clarion call to Mbappé.
Kylian's killer instinct
As soccer stats specialists Opta point out, Real Madrid have got themselves a player who was the joint-top scorer across Europe's top five leagues last term. Mbappé netted 44 times in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain in 2023/24, level with Bayern Munich's Harry Kane.
Watch Real Madrid's Mbappé 'bienvenido' vid
Real Madrid have now posted a welcome video for their new signing:
Now, a key question is how Carlo Ancelotti will shape his Real Madrid line-up now that he has Kylian Mbappé at his disposal.
My colleagues Fernando S. Tavero and Calum Roche have taken a look at some of the Italian's options.
Mbappé statement on Real Madrid move
Mbappé has just taken to social media to post his reaction to joining Real Madrid. "A dream come true," he says.
"So happy and proud to join the club of my dream Real Madrid. Nobody can understand how excited I am right now. Can’t wait to see you, Madridistas, and thanks for your unbelievable support. ¡Hala Madrid!"
In Real Madrid's statement, there was no mention of when Mbappé will be unveiled by the LaLiga club.
Given that he's heading into Euro 2024, he'll be busy for the next six weeks if Les Bleus reach the final in Germany.
My colleague Mario de la Riva reports a mid-July presentation seems likely. Check out Mario's piece on potential presentation dates.
Mbappé post breaks social-media record
According to 'El Chiringuito', the X post in which Real Madrid announced Mbappé's signing has become the club's most-rapidly shared message on the social-media platform, formerly known as Twitter.
At the time of writing, it had 434,000 likes, 224,000 reposts and 43,000 comments.
Mbappé signing like a UCL win - Casillas
It would appear that legendary ex-Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas is pretty chuffed about Kylian Mbappé's arrival.
"I don't know if we won the Champions League on Saturday, or today by signing Mbappé," Casillas has quipped.
Courtois says "bienvenue" to Mbappé
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has sent out a welcome message to his new club-mate, writing on X: "Welcome to your new home."
"IL. EST. ICI."
LaLiga has welcomed Kylian Mbappé to Spanish soccer, posting on X: "IL. EST. ICI." (HE. IS. HERE.)
Galáctico gremlins
Here, courtesy of soccer journalist Sid Lowe, is what is currently showing when you try to access Real Madrid's Mbappé statement.
Real Madrid's website crashes
Due, one can only imagine, to the immense interest in the Mbappé announcement, Real Madrid's website appears to have crashed.
At the moment, you just get the following message: "Oops! The system is offside. Sorry, an error has occurred. We are working to fix it as soon as possible. Try again to see if the problem has been repaired."
Real Madrid confirm Mbappé signing!
Almost bang on 7:30pm Spanish time, Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of Kylian Mbappé! Los Blancos have released a statement announcing that Mbappé is to become a Madrid player on a deal running until 2029.
Madrid's statement reads: “Real Madrid C.F. and Kylian Mbappé have reached an agreement that will see the player join Real Madrid on a five-year contract.”
Five minutes to go...?
If Pedrerol's information is correct, we have just another few minutes more to wait. Like Vinícius, my colleague Joe Brennan is also on tenterhooks:
Tick, tock...
Vinícius Júnior appears to be on the edge of his seat, just like the rest of us...
"Anything to do with Mbappé?"
'El Chiringuito' has pointed out that Real Madrid have closed their Bernabéu stadium tour tomorrow, Tuesday. "Anything to do with Mbappé'?" They ask.
Ex-Madrid boss happy with Mbappé signing
Former Real Madrid head coach Vicente del Bosque has given his thumbs-up to Kylian Mbappé’s imminent addition to Los Blancos’ squad.
“The signing of Mbappé will be positive for Real Madrid in every way,” Del Bosque has told an interview with the Egyptian broadcaster MBC MASR 2.
Pedrerol: Announcement delayed until half past
'El Chiringuito' host Josep Pedrerol now says Real Madrid will be announcing Mbappé at 7:30pm Spanish time (1:30pm ET/10:30am PT).
Valverde to become Madrid's new No. 8
The only other 1-11 shirt number that was definitely up for grabs ahead of next season was No. 8, which was vacated by the retiring Toni Kroos.
However, it appears that Fede Valverde will be inheriting that jersey.
What shirt number will Mbappé wear at Real Madrid?
RMC Sport is reporting that Mbappé will be given the No. 9 shirt at Real Madrid. The jersey has been vacant since Karim Benzema left for Al-Ittihad last summer, so it does indeed seem like a pretty safe bet.
Mbappé has been wearing No. 7 at PSG, but Vinícius Júnior has that shirt at Madrid.
Son to sporting parents and two soccer-playing brothers, Kylian Mbappé is also involved in both entertainment ventures and charitable endeavours.
My colleagues Daniel Pérez and Calum Roche take a look at the France striker's life off the field.
Thierry Henry, who will be leading the French Olympic team this summer, has warned Mbappé that he will have plenty to prove at Real Madrid.
“You have won nothing at that club when you arrived,” Henry told CBS after Saturday’s Champions League final, in which Madrid secured their 15th European title. “You have to win, and then you can start talking.”
"Tonight! Tonight"
Here, incidentally, is video with English subtitles of Mbappé's conversation with President Macron earlier today:
How long will Mbappé's Real Madrid contract be?
Pedrerol adds, by the way, that Mbappé is expected to sign a five-year deal at Real Madrid.
AS understands that Madrid are planning to pay him around €15 million ($16.28 million) per season. He'll also be paid a healthy signing-on bonus, but details of how much that will be are yet to emerge.
Madrid to confirm Mbappé deal at "7:15pm at the very latest"
Here's more from Josep Pedrerol on that exact announcement time.
As mentioned earlier, he says Real Madrid are planning to confirm an Mbappé deal at 7pm CEST (1pm ET/10am PT).
Speaking on the TV show 'El Chiringuito', he adds that this announcement "could be delayed until 7:15pm at the very latest".
So, if he's right, Mbappé to Madrid will be official in 20 to 35 minutes' time...
One event that Mbappé won't be occupied with this summer is the Olympics.
The striker had previously spoken of his interest in playing at the Paris Games, but he isn't in the host nation's squad for the men's soccer tournament, which runs from 24 July to 10 August.
Madrid sent a letter to the French Football Federation a month ago stating they would not give permission for their French stars to take part.
Clubs are under no obligation from FIFA, soccer's world governing body, to release their players for the event.
Mbappé is expected to be given a full-on 'galáctico' unveiling at a packed Bernabéu.
However, that might not be for a little while: he's currently on France duty, preparing for Euro 2024. If Les Bleus reach the final on 14 July - and there's every chance they might - he'll be tied up for the next six weeks.
My colleagues Marco Ruiz and Roddy Cons have the lowdown on possible dates for his presentation in the Spanish capital.
Wikipedia announces Mbappé
Earlier, the Spanish TV show 'El Chiringuito' noticed that Kylian Mbappé was already listed as a Real Madrid player on his Spanish-language Wikipedia profile. That now appears to have been changed back... for the time being, at least.
When exactly will Real Madrid announce Mbappé?
According to the Spanish soccer journalist Josep Pedrerol, Real Madrid are preparing to confirm Kylian Mbappé's signing today at around 7pm local time. In the US, that's 1pm ET/10am PT.
Mbappé already learning Spanish
Aside from helping Kylian Mbappé out with his house-hunt, AS understands that Sergio Ramos has been advising the striker on several other aspects of life in Spain. One area that the Frenchman already has well under control, however, is the language.
He has been learning Spanish for some time now, and in interviews given to Spain’s media has demonstrated an impressive level of fluency.
SARAH MEYSSONNIER / POOL / EFE
Mbappé house-hunting in Madrid
Ahead of his expected move to Spain, Mbappé has been busy preparing for life in Madrid - and may end up buying a house off the LaLiga giants’ former captain, Sergio Ramos.
AS understands that the striker plans to acquire one of at least two houses that Ramos owns in La Moraleja, an upmarket area of Madrid that is home to a number of soccer stars based in the city.
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Mbappé made his last league appearance for PSG on 12 May, two days after announcing his end-of-season departure.
In a 3-1 home defeat to Toulouse, he scored his 256th and final goal for the Parisians, who had already clinched the title.
Speaking before that game, PSG boss Luis Enrique admitted it was "clear" what the departing striker's next move would be.
"He is a club legend, he has given everything for the club and the club has given him everything," Luis Enrique told reporters. "I wish him well. He hasn’t said where he’s going yet, but I think it’s quite clear."
Mbappé not only racked up the goals in his time in Paris. He also piled up a fat wad of cash - particularly after turning down Real Madrid in 2022 and signing bumper new terms at PSG.
As my colleague Will Gittins explains in this article, that contract included a monthly wage of €6 million ($6.5 million).
What were Mbappé's PSG stats?
Having joined Paris Saint-Germain from Monaco in 2017, initially on loan, Mbappé went on to register 256 goals and 108 assists in 308 appearances for the Parisians.
His trophy haul at PSG includes six Ligue 1 triumphs - but zero Champions Leagues.
The closest he and PSG came to finally getting their hands on that coveted trophy was in 2020, when a goal by former player Kingsley Coman saw Bayern Munich beat the Frenchmen in the final in Lisbon.
Mbappé set for LaLiga after "great honour" of playing for PSG
In a video message announcing his PSG departure on 10 May, Mbappé told the team's fans: "There are lots of emotions, many years where I have had great honour to be a member of the biggest club in France, one of the best in the world.
"[PSG] has allowed me to arrive here, to have my first experience at a club with a lot of pressure, to grow as a player and play alongside some of the best in history."
Mbappé announced PSG exit last month
It has been something of an open secret for a while now that Mbappé is Madrid-bound this summer.
We've already known for a few weeks that the 25-year-old won't be at Paris Saint-Germain next season. After seven years at the Parc des Princes, he confirmed in early May that he would be leaving the Ligue 1 champions on a free transfer at the end of the season.
This newspaper reported this morning that Mbappé's move to Madrid is expected to be announced by tomorrow.
And the player himself appears to have confirmed to French president Emmanuel Macron that today is the big day.
In a video shared by the French media outlet RMC Sport, Mbappé can be heard talking to Macron as the president visited the French national team's pre-Euro 2024 camp today. Their conversation went as follows:
- Macron: “Kylian, how are you? Are you in good shape?”
- Mbappé: “I’m good”.
- Macron: “Is it today that it’s going to be announced?”
- Mbappé: “Tonight, tonight”.
Welcome!
Hello! Two years after Kylian Mbappé passed up the chance to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, it appears that the France striker is finally about to do just that. Los Blancos' announcement of his signing is thought to be imminent.