Kylian Mbappe expressed that his childhood dream of joining Real Madrid had come true as he was unveiled to a packed Bernabeu stadium.
The 25-year-old France forward signed a five-year contract with the club in July following the expiration of his Paris St-Germain contract.
His presentation was delayed due to France’s participation in Euro 2024, where they were eliminated at the semi-final stage by Spain.
Addressing over 80,000 spectators at the Bernabeu, Mbappe shared that he had always dreamt of the day he could call himself a Real Madrid player.
“I spent endless nights dreaming about one day playing for Real Madrid and today I am one happy guy,” said Mbappe.
“My family are so happy here, I can see my mum crying.
“It’s an incredible day for me, I’ve dreamt of this day since I was a kid and this day means a lot to me.”
Mbappe, who was kitted out in the club’s new home kit and addressed spectators in Spanish, was introduced to the crowd by club president Florentino Perez.
Speaking to Mbappe before addressing the crowd, Perez remarked, “Your lifelong love for Real Madrid and your deep identification with this club have paved the way for you to be here today, overcoming every obstacle on your path to achieving your dream.”
Mbappe’s arrival at Real Madrid has been a long-awaited moment, coming three years after the club’s unsuccessful £137m bid for the World Cup winner.
In 2023, PSG accepted a record-breaking bid of £259m from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, which Mbappe turned down as he expressed his desire to join the Bernabeu.
Despite PSG offering Mbappe a contract extension, he was excluded from the club’s pre-season tour. However, manager Luis Enrique later reintegrated him into the team.
The forward departs PSG having scored 256 goals in 308 appearances for the club.