An 80,000-strong crowd gathered for the grand unveiling of Kylian Mbappe at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on July 16, 2024. Mbappe, who had longed to play for Real Madrid, experienced a dream come true. Idolizing Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappe echoed his hero’s words: “Uno, Dos, Tres… HALA MADRID.”
In 2009, when Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Real Madrid at the age of 24, he scored 451 goals in 438 games, winning 4 Champions League titles, 3 Club World Cups, 2 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Rey trophies, and 2 Spanish Super Cups. He netted 105 goals in the Champions League for Real Madrid, with 33 goals in his first season.
Kylian Mbappe was the most sought-after player by Real Madrid in last year’s transfer market. Finally, he moved to Real Madrid on a free transfer. After spending his time in Ligue 1, which many jokingly term as a “farmer league,” questions arise: Will he produce the same performance in La Liga, which is more physical and intense? How will he perform in El Clásico? How will he pair up with his teammates like Vini Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Federico Valverde? Will he impress Coach Carlo Ancelotti in his first season? Ronaldo scored 33 goals in his first season. Can Mbappe match that performance and continue the glory days of Real Madrid?
There are many questions and uncertainties. No doubt, Mbappe is one of the best football players in the world. Real Madrid boasts the best squad for his campaign in the coming season. Fans hope this season will see Real Madrid winning trophies with a squad like this, but only time will tell if Mbappe can meet the high expectations set before him.