Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence was certainly the perfect highlight for his junior Mbappe’s lavish debut at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium on the afternoon of July 17, packed with 85,000 fans of the Spanish Royal team.
From a shy boy with his idol, he has become a great colleague of superstar Ronaldo. Photo: GETTY.
After six seasons with Paris Saint Germain, the Frenchman finally joined Los Blancos. Kylian Mbappe’s presentation was attended by big names in the ecosystem such as French legend Zinedine Zidane, Club President Florentino Perez and Honorary President Jose Martinez “Pirri”.
Many fans were expecting Ronaldo to make a surprise appearance at the debut of one of his biggest fans in the village. It is well known that since he was a child, Mbappe idolized Ronaldo and dreamed of one day becoming a star footballer like his senior. Mbappe’s room as a child was covered with pictures of Ronaldo, including a photo of the shy French boy with the Portuguese legend.
According to Onda Cero journalist Alberto Pereiro, Cristiano Ronaldo was invited by Real Madrid to attend the presentation ceremony of his junior Mbappe. Writer Pereiro shared with Digital channel: “Real Madrid invited Cristiano Ronaldo to Mbappe’s presentation but he did not want to come.”
The Portuguese forward turned down Real’s invitation because another commercial commitment prevented him from attending the ceremony at the Bernabeu. Some fans believe Ronaldo’s partnership with Nike was the main reason for his absence. Nike sponsors both Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Real Madrid are largely sponsored by Nike’s rival Adidas.
“Uno Dos Tres Hala Madrid!” (1-2-3 go Madrid) – Mbappe shouted during his grand unveiling at the packed Santiago Bernabeu. Immediately afterwards, the entire stadium echoed the Frenchman’s call: “Hala Madrid”. Mbappe’s debut also reminded longtime Real Madrid fans of a similar event 15 years ago.
The French star’s Real debut ceremony was attended by legends Zinedine Zidane, Jose Martinez, and club president Florentino Perez. Photo: GETTY.
Then 24-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo read out the same slogan in front of a packed Real Madrid stadium at the Santiago Bernabeu during his unveiling in 2009. Mbappe was just 10 years old at the time.
Now, Mbappe also gave an emotional speech at his presentation, expressing his gratitude to the club and President Florentino Perez. “My dream has come true. I am very happy, really happy. It feels incredible to be here. I dreamed of Real Madrid for many years and now I am living that happiness. I saw my mother in tears. This is a great day for me. Let me thank President Florentino Perez.”
Kylian Mbappe’s five-year contract with the Santiago Bernabeu team will bring him around $15 million per season. Furthermore, the French star received a signing bonus of up to $100 million from the La Liga giants.
