A record 80,000 fans filled the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, matching the turnout for Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2009 unveiling, to witness Kylian Mbappe’s presentation at Real Madrid.
Amid the largest audience for a player’s arrival since Ronaldo’s 15 years ago, Mbappe took the stage, microphone in hand, and echoed Ronaldo’s 2009 words: “I want to do one thing with you. As a big family, we are going to say: One, two, three… ‘Hala Madrid!’.”
The fans rose in applause, marking the end of a protracted saga that had at times strained relations between Madrid and Mbappe’s camp. The event showed a different reality.
This recounts Mbappe’s momentous arrival at Madrid, highlighting both seen and unseen aspects of a historic day for the club.
By early Tuesday morning, the area around the stadium was bustling.
Street vendors sold Mbappe scarves, the official shop had run out of Mbappe shirts, and lottery sellers offered tickets dated 160724 as souvenirs.
The scene resembled a La Liga match as Madrid opened the gates early to avoid entry problems.
Young fans, free from school for the summer, crowded impatiently, among them 316 children from France sponsored by Mbappe’s foundation, wearing T-shirts with a childhood picture of the player.
Earlier that day, Mbappe underwent medical tests at Clinica Hospital Sanitas de La Moraleja with Madrid’s welfare overseer Alejandro Mori, then visited Valdebebas to meet head coach Carlo Ancelotti, discuss plans with fitness trainer Antonio Pintus, and joke with early-training squad members like Thibaut Courtois, Lucas Vazquez, and Brahim Diaz.
Dressed in his suit, Mbappe went to Madrid’s Ciudad Deportiva HQ around 11am to sign his contract with president Florentino Perez.
At the Bernabeu, notable figures from Madrid’s history and present began arriving, including legendary defender Jose Emilio Santamaria, director of football Santiago Solari, B team coach Raul Gonzalez, and under-19 coach Alvaro Arbeloa, along with former players Jose Callejon and Esteban Granero, and various managers, executives, and special guests.
They settled at the stage’s foot and on the pitch, with its turf removed and stored underground.
A surprise appearance by Zinedine Zidane, alongside honorary president Jose Martinez ‘Pirri’ and Perez, received the evening’s standing ovation.
The club kicked off the event with videos on large screens, heightening the atmosphere under the closed roof.
This marked the first Bernabeu presentation since 2019 and the stadium’s renovation. President Perez’s hopes were realized with the stadium at full capacity, despite ongoing work on the south stand and facilities.
A video outlining Madrid’s Champions League history with tenor Placido Domingo’s narration preceded a short film showcasing Mbappe’s career, featuring the song For This You Were Born by Unsecret and Fleurie. A line referenced a never-before-seen shot of Zidane coaching 2012-trialist Mbappe at Valdebebas.
“Zidane is my first memory of Real Madrid,” Mbappe said later at a press conference.
About 40 people from Mbappe’s team attended, including his parents Wilfried and Fayza Lamari, and members of his foundation. They mingled with Madrid’s directors and executives.
CEO Jose Angel Sanchez escorted Mbappe’s mother around the pitch, indicating ongoing positive relations despite past reputations and challenges.
During Perez’s speech, he acknowledged Mbappe’s parents’ support: “They know how much you have fought for this.” A group photo with Perez, Mbappe, and his parents in front of Madrid’s 15 Champions League trophies exemplified the careful planning of the event.
Fans chanted “Mbappe, Mbappe” as he appeared in his new white No. 9 shirt, visibly overwhelmed, as he later admitted. Over 400 journalists from 300 accredited media globally attended, adding to the event’s climax during speeches.
“You have achieved your dream because you have never given up,” Perez stated. “You are here because you wanted to be. Thank you for making efforts that nobody can imagine.”
Mbappe expressed his disbelief and gratitude: “Wow, it’s incredible to be here. I have dreamt of playing for Real Madrid for many years. I am very happy. First, I want to thank president Florentino Perez, who trusted me from day one. A lot has happened, but I thank him. We have won; I am a Real Madrid player.”
The stadium echoed with chants of “Florentino, Florentino!” as Fayza Lamari displayed visible emotion.
Mbappe did not mention Paris Saint-Germain but praised his new club: “There have been many stages to get here. I am very happy and proud to be at my dream club, the biggest club in history.”
Fans urged him to kiss the crest, which Mbappe did repeatedly during a lap of honor, sharing footballs with fans. One boy even dived into a box to grab a ball.
Afterward, Mbappe walked through a corridor formed by children from his foundation, reaching out to their idol.
At around 2:30 pm, Mbappe’s press conference began, featuring a childhood replica of the Santiago Bernabeu given by his parents.
Accompanied by his parents, lawyer Delphine Verheyden, advisor Ziad Hammoud, agent Oscar Ribot, and a translator, they attentively fielded questions. Though many French journalists attended, most of the conference was in Spanish.
“I had many offers, but if I left Paris, I was going to Real Madrid,” Mbappe declared, confirming his long-held decision.
The press room was densely packed, surpassing Champions League games, extending the conference beyond an hour.
“When exactly did I sign for Real Madrid? Since I was a kid, I knew, it’s easy,” Mbappe revealed, noting his teammates’ encouragement. “French players always said Madrid is the best. Vinicius Junior said we would play together up top.”
Mbappe’s use of Ronaldo’s words was an homage: “It’s a nod to Cristiano, my childhood idol. Now he’s my friend, giving me advice. It’s a privilege.”
The presentation impressed Madrid’s directors, squad members, and technical staff, reminiscent of Ronaldo’s memories. Mbappe’s presentation stood out as unique and special as echoed by different voices at the club.
What’s next for Mbappe? He won’t join Madrid’s pre-season tour in the USA. Instead, he’ll rest until a week before the UEFA Super Cup, where he is expected to make his debut.