Kylian Mbappe’s dream transfer to Real Madrid finalised with a five-year deal with the champions of Europe. The transfer saga was more than just a thriller, filled with intrigue, suspense, and even betrayal. The French football skipper has been linked to the Los Blancos since 2021. According to media reports, in 2023, Mbappe was set to exit Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) football club, but the intervention from French President Emmanuel Macron swayed the striker. We take a look at how much Real Madrid is paying the world’s top football player as there is no such thing as a free transfer, and we also look at how PSG’s double bluff backfired spectacularly.
Kylian Mbappe: Hala Madrid
It is difficult to recall, but as far as we can recollect, no other player in the recent past has been under such insane pressure as Mbappe has. This distinguishes the good players from the best as the latter thrive in such situations. Starting from the expectations of the French club and the fans to win the Champions League to the political heavyweights urging him to stay in Paris, the 25-year-old has seen it all and won it all, including the World Cup, with the exception of the Champions League.
Based on media reports, Real Madrid is paying Mbappe a signing bonus worth $135 million to $163 million, which will spread across his 5-year tenure. There are rumours the French ace has taken a pay cut to join Real Madrid as he used to earn around $75 to $80 million at PSG. Count on Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez to make an offer that Mbappe can’t refuse. Marca, Spain’s national daily, reports that Mbappe’s salary at Real Madrid will exceed $16 million, which may seem modest compared to his earnings at PSG. However, he is also eligible for bonuses tied to victories and performance, potentially adding $25 million to $28 million, in addition to the signing bonus.
In addition to endorsements and sponsorships, players earn significantly from their image rights. Media reports suggest that Mbappe will retain a considerable 80 per cent of these rights, with Real Madrid receiving about 20 per cent. This deal is quite rare, as it’s typically split evenly between the player and the club. Previously, Cristiano Ronaldo was the only player known to have maintained the majority share of his image rights in 2009.
Kylian Mbappe: PSG’s double bluff or Harakiri
Whether it’s seen as confidence or arrogance, PSG had a chance to profit in 2021 by selling their star player, Mbappe, to Real Madrid for approximately $217 million. ESPN reported that the Parisian club did not respond to the offer. Mbappe’s seven-year stint with PSG was decorated with 14 trophies, except for the coveted Champions League title.
Mbappe and PSG have officially parted ways, with the French captain now concentrating on the forthcoming European Football Championship beginning June 15th. L’Equipe, a French publication, reported that PSG owes Mbappe $86 million, including bonuses and wages for April and May. ESPN indicates that the club does not intend to pay Mbappe, suggesting a potential legal dispute. Talk about a messy breakup.