At Santiago Bernabeu, Kylian Mbappe was greeted with a reception akin to that of Cristiano Ronaldo when Real Madrid formally unveiled the France captain as their new No. 9.
At a crowded Santiago Bernabeu in 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo memorably led the Real Madrid supporters in the chorus of “Uno dos tres Hala Madrid” after the Manchester United legend was acquired by the La Liga powerhouses for a transfer sum that broke records. Ronaldo declared, before an adoring 80,000 spectators at Madrid’s football cathedral, that he had always wanted to wear the renowned white jersey. After Real Madrid announced the France captain as a new Galactico at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, fifteen years later, Kylian Mbappe mimicked his idol Ronaldo’s iconic move.
The captain of France, Kylian Mbappe, has signed a long-term contract with Real Madrid, following in Ronaldo’s footsteps. Before Real Madrid president Florentino Perez gave the French attacker the coveted No. 9 shirt, Mbappe finished his physical. In 2009, club legend Ronaldo donned the renowned No. 9 jersey to launch his career at Real Madrid. Mbappe asked the audience to join him in chanting “Hala Madrid” as he concluded his address, which was his first speech while wearing a Real Madrid jersey.
‘Incredible day for me’: Mbappe tells Real Madrid fans in Spanish
The former captain of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) then gave the team’s shield a kiss and kicked balls into the stands to welcome Real Madrid supporters to a crowded Bernabeu. Mbappé said in Spanish, “It’s an incredible day for me,” to the Bernabeu. “I’ve wanted to play for Real Madrid since I was a young child, and now I am.” It has great meaning for me. I now have an additional dream: to live up to this club’s legendary status as the greatest club on the planet. Mbappe continued, “I’ll give my life to this club and to this shield.”
Mbappe’s salary and bonus
During his lavish presenting ceremony, Mbappe was accompanied on stage by Real Madrid’s record 15 European trophies. At the Santiago Bernabeu, Mbappe’s official unveiling was witnessed by about 80,000 people. Mbappe will receive a salary of 15 million euros per season from Real Madrid in addition to a signing bonus over 100 million euros for joining the La Liga powerhouse free agent from PSG.
