Quick Read
- Kylian Mbappé left PSG for Real Madrid in 2024 but faced mixed success in Spain.
- PSG won their first Champions League title after Mbappé’s departure.
- Mbappé prepares to face PSG in a dramatic FIFA Club World Cup semifinal in New York.
- Speculation about Mbappé’s future at Madrid continues amid tactical challenges.
Kylian Mbappé’s transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 marked a defining moment in his career. Leaving PSG on a free transfer, the French superstar joined the Spanish giants with high expectations. However, his journey since then has been far from straightforward, blending moments of brilliance with significant challenges. As Mbappé prepares to face his former club in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinal, the football world watches with bated breath.
Mbappé’s Departure and PSG’s Historic Triumph
In July 2024, Kylian Mbappé made the long-anticipated move to Real Madrid after declining a one-year extension at PSG. While Mbappé’s debut season at Madrid included individual accolades such as the European Golden Boot, he failed to win major trophies with Los Blancos, apart from the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Ironically, PSG achieved their first-ever UEFA Champions League title in his absence, under the stewardship of Luis Enrique.
Former PSG and Real Madrid midfielder Claude Makelele expressed his belief that Mbappé’s presence could have further bolstered PSG’s Champions League-winning campaign. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo on July 8, 2025, Makelele noted, “PSG would have won the Champions League if Mbappé had stayed. You can’t say no to Real Madrid, and that’s why he ended up going.” However, many analysts argue that PSG’s success came from a shift in philosophy—moving away from star-centric strategies to a more team-oriented approach.
The French club’s triumph highlighted the effectiveness of this new direction. Players like Neymar and Lionel Messi had also departed, allowing Luis Enrique to construct a cohesive unit that excelled in Europe’s top competition.
Challenges at Real Madrid
Mbappé’s transition to Real Madrid has not been without its difficulties. Despite scoring 32 goals across all competitions in his debut season, his performances in critical matches, such as the Champions League quarterfinals against Arsenal, raised questions. According to Yahoo Sports, Mbappé was notably “anonymous” in both legs of the tie, leading to speculation about his tactical fit within Xabi Alonso’s system at Madrid. This underwhelming display has reportedly prompted Real Madrid to consider bolstering their attack with players like Erling Haaland.
Fast forward to the FIFA Club World Cup in July 2025, Mbappé’s role at Real Madrid has become even more complex. A viral illness limited his participation in the early stages of the tournament, and academy product Gonzalo emerged as a standout performer, scoring in all five matches. Despite limited game time, Mbappé demonstrated his brilliance with moments like a stunning scissor-kick goal against Borussia Dortmund.
The Emotional Reunion with PSG
As fate would have it, Real Madrid’s semifinal clash in the FIFA Club World Cup brings Mbappé face-to-face with PSG. The match, scheduled to take place under the New York sky, carries immense emotional weight for the French star. Mbappé left PSG with “unfinished business,” having failed to secure a Champions League title during his tenure. Now, he has the opportunity to prove his worth against his former teammates.
The game is further charged by the presence of referee Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup Final where Mbappé scored a hat-trick but ultimately lost to Argentina. All eyes are on Mbappé as he seeks to reassert himself as a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s project while navigating the personal and professional stakes of this high-pressure encounter.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding Mbappé’s journey, his talent and determination remain undeniable. As Real Madrid evaluates its future attacking options, Mbappé’s ability to deliver in pivotal moments could define his legacy at the club. Meanwhile, PSG’s Champions League success serves as a testament to the evolving dynamics of modern football, where team cohesion often trumps individual brilliance.
The showdown between Real Madrid and PSG is not just a battle for a place in the final but a narrative-rich clash that encapsulates the highs and lows of Kylian Mbappé’s remarkable career. Whether he rises to the occasion or faces further scrutiny, one thing is certain: the football world will be watching.