Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has shed light on Kylian Mbappé’s remarkable sacrifices to make his long-anticipated move to the Santiago Bernabéu a reality. The French forward, who had been linked with the Spanish giants for years, finally joined the club this summer, ending one of the most drawn-out transfer sagas in football history.
Speaking during Real Madrid’s annual meeting with members, Pérez lauded Mbappé’s dedication and the exceptional lengths he went to secure the transfer.
“Kylian Mbappé arrived at Real Madrid after making an effort that no one could have imagined.
He has already helped us win a title,” Pérez said, emphasizing the player’s unwavering commitment to joining Los Blancos.
Mbappé’s connection to Real Madrid dates back to his teenage years when he visited the club’s training ground and met Cristiano Ronaldo, a player he idolized.
This formative experience reportedly cemented his dream of wearing the famous white shirt.
However, his path to Madrid was far from straightforward, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) reluctant to let go of their star player.
The move finally materialized after Mbappé made significant personal sacrifices, both financially and professionally.
Pérez revealed that the transfer wasn’t solely about money but about the player’s determination to fulfill his dream of playing for Real Madrid.
To facilitate the move, Mbappé accepted a dramatic pay cut. At PSG, the forward reportedly earned a gross annual salary of €72 million.
At Real Madrid, his earnings are estimated to range between €15 million and €20 million annually—still substantial but a stark reduction from his previous deal.
Additionally, Mbappé agreed to a unique image rights arrangement, retaining 80% of those rights, a key factor in the negotiations.
Reports also indicate that the French superstar received a signing bonus of between €80 million and €100 million as part of the agreement.
Despite these financial adjustments, Mbappé’s commitment to the move underscores his passion for the club and his ambition to leave a lasting legacy in Madrid.
Mbappé has already made his mark at Real Madrid, contributing to their success on the pitch since his arrival.
Pérez’s comments highlight not just his talent but also the extraordinary personal effort that brought him to the club, solidifying his status as one of the most committed and ambitious players in the game.
The move signals the beginning of a new chapter for both Mbappé and Real Madrid, as the player aims to build on his early success and fulfill his dreams at the Bernabéu.
Florentino Perez sur Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷 :
« Kylian est arrivé au Real 𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘂𝗻 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗻’𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝗽𝘂 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿 ! 🗣️
Il nous a déjà aidé à remporter notre premier titre cette saison (la Supercoupe d’Europe). 🤍 » pic.twitter.com/yUtRWjItj7
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) November 24, 2024