Xabi Alonso has acknowledged the challenges ahead as Real Madrid prepares to face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Club World Cup semifinals. This matchup has a unique twist as it marks Kylian Mbappé’s first encounter with his former team since leaving PSG last year to join Madrid.
Mbappé’s transition was emotionally charged, having spent seven years at PSG and becoming a club legend with 256 goals in 308 appearances. His father recently watched PSG triumph over Bayern Munich, showing the familial connection to the club remains strong. Although Mbappé expresses a desire to realize his dream at the Bernabeu, tensions linger due to an ongoing legal dispute with PSG regarding unpaid bonuses and wages amounting to €55 million. While PSG claims Mbappé waived this payment upon his departure, the situation remains unresolved.
Despite the acrimony, there will be an attempt at cordiality. Sources suggest that Mbappé and PSG President Nasser al-Khelaïfi intend to shake hands during their reunion. Nevertheless, the fallout from Mbappé’s departure has been significant, with PSG transforming into arguably the best club team in 2025, owing their success less to star power and more to a cohesive team dynamic.
Luis Enrique, PSG’s manager, has turned the spotlight onto players like Ousmane Dembélé, who is now a leading figure and a strong candidate for the Ballon d’Or after a remarkable season. His performances have not only showcased his goal-scoring ability but also his defensive contributions, something Enrique had sought to instill in Mbappé.
The tactical evolution under Enrique sees PSG adopting a fluid style of play, with an emphasis on teamwork and versatile positioning, which has also seen growth in other key players such as Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz. This departure from relying on individual brilliance is a testament to the club’s adaptability and has paid off with multiple trophies this season.
With PSG aiming for more silverware and Mbappé looking to make a statement against his former side, the upcoming match is brimming with narrative intrigue. The stakes are high, not just for a place in the Club World Cup final but for the personal histories and rivalries that have shaped both teams.