French football sensation Kylian Mbappe addressed the adoring Real Madrid fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Tuesday during his official presentation as a player for the esteemed club. In a ceremony marked by grandeur, Mbappe declared, “I will give my life to this club,” reiterating his commitment to fulfilling his lifelong dream.
The 25-year-old star spoke in fluent Spanish to the crowd, including his tearful parents and former Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane, who has long expressed a desire to see Mbappe don the famous white jersey. “Wow… it’s incredible to be here. I’ve dreamed of playing for Real Madrid for years and today my dream has come true,” Mbappe said.
Emotional Address and New Beginnings
“I am a happy boy. I will give my life to this club and this badge. I am proud to have achieved my dream and become a player for the best club in the history of football,” he added, reflecting the emotional significance of the moment.
Mbappe joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, signing a five-year deal. The club’s president, Florentino Perez, presented him with the number 9 shirt, previously worn by compatriot Karim Benzema before his move to Al-Ittihad Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
Tributes and Expectations
“Twelve years ago, I invited a young man to Valdebebas who is today the hero of this moment,” Perez reminisced, addressing Zidane. “Kylian, you are here because you wanted to be. You have overcome all obstacles to wear this white shirt, the shirt of the club that has won 15 European Cups. Welcome home, welcome to Real Madrid.”
The presentation attracted 85,000 attendees, expected to surpass the previous record set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009. Fans quickly snapped up free tickets, with some even selling them to capitalize on the frenzy surrounding Mbappe’s arrival.
A Star’s Grand Entrance
In a departure from tradition, the club rolled out a blue carpet for its new star, welcoming him like a rock star to the renovated and modernized Bernabeu, designed to host concerts by the world’s top artists. After being greeted by tens of thousands of fans, some of whom had waited for hours, Mbappe stepped onto the pitch in an atmosphere reminiscent of a Champions League match.
The club played a video on giant screens highlighting Mbappe’s connection with Ronaldo, whose images adorned his childhood room. Following a successful medical at La Moraleja Hospital, Mbappe signed his five-year contract at the club’s training center, posing with replicas of the Champions League trophies, a dream that eluded him in Paris.
Looking Forward
Mbappe’s number 9 shirt has been available in the club’s stores since last Thursday. The player will enjoy a few extra days of rest before starting his season in Madrid, while his new teammates resumed training on Monday.
Having been eliminated from the semi-finals of the 2024 European Cup by Spain, Mbappe did not hide his affection for Real Madrid, whose posters decorated his childhood bedroom. The royal club had persistently courted him over the past two years, with President Perez prioritizing his signing.
Mbappe’s journey from Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain culminated in this move to Madrid after a challenging European Cup performance and a tumultuous final season in Paris. Feeling “liberated and relieved,” he joins a formidable squad, including Englishman Jude Bellingham and Brazilian Vinicius Junior, under the guidance of celebrated Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Anticipation Builds
Real Madrid’s season opener against Mallorca is eagerly awaited, with fans looking forward to seeing their new star in action at the Santiago Bernabeu against newly promoted Valladolid. Mbappe aims to achieve his long-held ambitions of winning the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or, alongside his goal of “writing history” in football.
