Kylian Mbappe’s first season at Real Madrid has been a tale of personal triumphs but team frustrations. The French forward secured the European Golden Boot and La Liga’s top scorer award, yet finished the campaign without major silverware alongside his teammates.
The 26-year-old joined Los Blancos last summer on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, ending a long-running saga that dominated European football headlines. PSG had attempted to extend his deal but ultimately lost him without a transfer fee, a bitter blow for the French champions.
Ironically, a year after his departure, PSG finally lifted the trophy that had long eluded them under Qatar Sports Investments — the UEFA Champions League. The Parisian side convincingly defeated Inter Milan in the final, achieving the pinnacle of European success that Mbappe himself has been chasing.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Spanish daily Marca, Mbappe offered a humble perspective on PSG’s achievement. “I have friends on the team, and those who know me know that friendship is important to me. You can’t spit on a team where your friends are,” he explained. “My story ended, and I left without regrets. Even the things I did wrong are part of my story.”
Mbappe acknowledged the near misses during his time in Paris, including a final and two semi-final appearances in Europe. For him, the move to Real Madrid was about fulfilling a long-held dream. “Real Madrid is calling me; it’s always been my dream,” he added.
Despite Madrid’s proud European pedigree — five Champions League titles in the last decade — Los Blancos fell short of the ultimate prize during Mbappe’s debut campaign. However, the forward remains optimistic about his chances of lifting the coveted trophy in the Spanish capital.
The interview also addressed the much-publicized dispute between Mbappe and PSG over unpaid wages. The Frenchman insisted the matter was legal and professional rather than personal. “It’s my responsibility by law; it’s labor law. I just wanted to be paid. I have nothing against PSG, I love this club,” he said.
Mbappe revealed he had refrained from creating a scandal during his final months in Paris, despite being aware of the payment issues. “When the money doesn’t come in, you see it. After a while, you have to react,” he explained, stressing that his actions were about fairness rather than hostility.
Looking ahead, Mbappe remains focused on Madrid’s ambitions, with both La Liga and the Champions League firmly in his sights. While PSG celebrated their long-awaited European crown, the French superstar continues his pursuit of the same glory — this time in white.
