Kylian Mbappe pays tribute to David Alaba ahead of Real Madrid exit

Kylian Mbappe has paid a warm tribute to David Alaba after the Austrian defender confirmed he will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.

Alaba’s exit brings down the curtain on a significant spell in Spain, where injuries limited him to 10 La Liga appearances this campaign.

In a message shared on Instagram, Mbappe praised Alaba not only as a top-level footballer but also as a person. “My brother, it is such a difficult moment to close this chapter with you. You are an incredible player and even better as a person. You used to be my opponent, then you became one of my best teammates here, and now I can say you are a friend that football gave me. I wish you the best and I will always support you in everything you do,” he wrote.

The heartfelt note underlined the respect between the two players, who shared a dressing room at Real despite Alaba’s reduced role this season. Mbappé’s season has been hugely productive by comparison, with 41 goals in 43 matches across all competitions.

Alaba’s departure marks the end of a chapter, but Mbappé’s message showed just how strongly he is valued inside the squad.