Kylian Mbappé realized his childhood dream by officially joining Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in front of nearly 80,000 fans. The 25-year-old French star, donning the No. 9 jersey, was warmly welcomed by the Madrid faithful during his presentation alongside club president Florentino Pérez. Mbappé expressed his joy and gratitude, stating that playing for Madrid had always been a dream for him.
Addressing the crowd in Spanish, Mbappé shared his excitement and vowed to give his all for the club and its illustrious history. He encouraged the fans to chant 'Hala Madrid' with him, reminiscent of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival at the club. Mbappé, visibly moved by the occasion, kissed the club's shield and interacted with the supporters by kicking balls into the stands.
The ceremony, held at the newly renovated Bernabeu, featured Mbappé's family, club officials, and former players. The stage showcased Real Madrid's 15 European Cup trophies, underscoring the club's rich history and tradition of success. Mbappé's journey from a young fan to a star player was highlighted through images and videos displayed at the event.
In his news conference, Mbappé expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the honor of representing Real Madrid. Club president Pérez hailed Mbappé's arrival as a historic moment, acknowledging the player's determination to fulfill his childhood dream. Mbappé also took the opportunity to inspire children, emphasizing the importance of passion and perseverance in achieving one's goals.
Looking ahead, Mbappé expressed his eagerness to contribute to Real Madrid's quest for titles, particularly the coveted Champions League. He met with coach Carlo Ancelotti and his new teammates, expressing his readiness to play in any position to help the team succeed. Mbappé's signing marks a significant milestone for Madrid, culminating years of pursuit to bring the talented forward to the club.