Real Madrid's Ultimate Bid: Kylian Mbappe's Potential Move to Spain Sends Shockwaves through Football World

The news spread quickly to Clairefontaine, just as it did on a Spanish podcast. Jose Manuel Otero, a member of Real Madrid's board of directors, expressed his hopes that Kylian Mbappe would take a similar approach as Jude Bellingham, as reported by Remontada Blanca. For the past three years, the focus has been on Mbappe's future, but by comparing him to Bellingham, Real Madrid has introduced a new angle that has had an impact on 'Team Mbappe'.

The England midfielder's exceptional performance, rising reputation, and nomination for the Ballon d'Or are not only making waves in the Spanish capital and England. Telefoot, the top French football broadcaster and official broadcaster for the national team, devoted a show to Bellingham titled 'La Nouvelle Star.' Zinedine Zidane, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurélien Tchouameni all expressed their opinions on "le joueur phare de ce debut de saison" - the standout player at the beginning of the season.

The segment showcasing the exceptional talent of Kylian Mbappe is in direct contrast to another program that delves into an analysis of his struggling campaign. This was the primary concern raised to France coach Didier Deschamps before the European Qualifier against the Netherlands.

Deschamps responded, "Considering all that Kylian went through this summer, it's only natural that, amidst the demanding schedule of matches, he may experience a period where his performance and effectiveness may slightly decline."

In France, there are discussions about two versions of Mbappe: the powerful force he was before choosing not to activate his one-year option with PSG, which has led to a partially resolved toxic dispute with the club, and a wearied version of himself afterward.

In Madrid, they have a different interpretation of the situation and attribute the forward's decline to May 2022, when he had the opportunity to join Real but instead decided to sign a new contract with PSG. At the Spanish giants, they openly acknowledge Bellingham's brilliance, not only as a showcase of his talent but also as a testament to making the correct decision - unlike Mbappe.

Real Madrid presented a compelling case to both players: achieving the prestigious Ballon d'Or and making history alongside us. One executive expressed their straightforward message to We News: "While there are other possibilities, we are the superior choice. You can experience the satisfaction of this decision with us, or face disappointment from afar."

During the recent podcast, Otero further supported this notion. "When Mbappe joins Real Madrid, he will undoubtedly attain greatness," he affirmed. "Elsewhere, he may find himself wandering... It appears that PSG's influence has diminished."

Newcastle's 4-1 demolition of the French champions in the Champions League goes beyond what the final line suggests. PSG is striving to reinvent itself, and chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi is urging for patience.

In France, the prevailing sentiment is that Mbappe has reached his limit. His choice to forgo his one-year extension at the club, despite being aware of the criticism, pressure, and consequences it would entail, ultimately positions him as a free agent come summer.

There is a growing belief that Mbappe will leave at the end of the season but forego any loyalty bonuses owed to him.

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Mbappe's PSG were humbled 4-1 by Newcastle at St James' Park last week

According to L'Equipe's Loic Tanzi, this is the current situation and the information comes from reliable sources. Mbappe's camp maintains that they have never stated a refusal to renew his contract. Their position is simply that they do not want to exercise the option in the existing deal and they do not have any intention to leave this summer. Mbappe acknowledges that in a club like PSG, you never know how a year will pan out.

Currently, Kylian has decided not to engage in discussions regarding a new contract with the club. There are no ongoing negotiations about that matter. However, PSG will attempt to approach him again throughout the year and assess the situation. Ultimately, the player will have the final say and holds the decision-making power.

Mbappe possesses both a blessing and a burden: he holds immense importance to his club, country, and our perception of the future of football. Observing him up close revealed a dazzling superstar with boundless potential, yet also carrying the weight of overwhelming expectations.

This is Kylian.

Fayza Lamari had observed that her son had "transformed into a figure akin to Justin Bieber" following his groundbreaking breakthrough as an 18-year-old prodigy at Monaco.

The remaining members of Mbappe's French teammates and coaching staff were present on the pitch for a public training session, which attracted thousands of attendees. However, the photographers and broadcast camera crews were positioned facing the other way, eagerly awaiting the specific visuals they desired, seeking that certain je ne sais quoi.

Thierry Henry, the newly appointed coach of the national U21 team, remained deeply engrossed in overseeing a rigorous tactical training session on a nearby field, seemingly unaffected by the surrounding distractions.

The unwavering focus mirrored the fervent chants of the spectators: 'Kylian, Kylian, Kylian.'

Finally, the moment had arrived. The show could finally commence. It was finally a genuine manifestation of Les Bleus.

Lamari aptly drew a parallel to Bieber in a significant aspect: Mbappe is an unquestionable sensation, a true celebrity.

The responsibility that the player bears for French football, the post Messi-Ronaldo era, his club, and his country beyond the sport is heightened in instances where there is a disparity or an increase in pressure. At the age of 24, Mbappe has shouldered numerous expectations, leading to understandable weariness. "All Kylian Mbappe really desires is to play the game," states an official from the French Football Federation.

"He aspires to become, and has indeed become, the finest footballer on the global stage. However, this accolade comes with a downside – he has become the embodiment of various roles and expectations within his country. He is exploited as a political tool, sought after as a calming presence during periods of unrest, and serves as a beacon of hope for his hometown of Bondy and similar suburban areas.

He has turned into a brand, a prominent figurehead. He possesses unwavering strength and clarity of mind, yet the burden on his shoulders is immense. We witnessed the challenges he faced during the summer, and it weighed heavily on him. Our concern extended beyond Kylian the footballer; it encompassed Kylian the human being."

The FFF's primary concern was Mbappe's clash with PSG, during which the club marginalized him and even considered selling him due to his rejection of a contract option. These discussions revolved around finding ways to maintain the captain's fitness, motivation, and happiness in the event that PSG followed through on their promise and kept him alongside other players like Julian Draxler, Gini Wijnaldum, and Leandro Paredes in the "loft" - a group of players without a future in the first-team.

"Mbappe's situation this summer did not help anyone: not him, nor his club, nor me, nor the national team," Deschamps would admit.

"It's so much the better that the situation has normalised."

He wants to be - and he is - the best footballer in the world. With that, the problem comes that he is also everything to everyone in the country.

A French FA official on the strain on Mbappe

In truth, there was confidence in the France set-up that there would be a speedy solution, primarily because "Kylian Mbappe just wants to play football."

PSG was aware of this as well, recognizing it as their most powerful advantage. According to Tanzi, "Once Kylian realized that the club was genuinely committed to not utilizing him in games, he took decisive action." Tanzi further explains, "He comprehended that if nothing was altered, he would have remained in the stands, possibly only making it to the bench during the initial months of the season. Kylian cannot truly be himself without football - it is his source of joy. Therefore, he approached the club and said, 'Alright, let's have another discussion and attempt to find a resolution.'"

Team Mbappe

Mbappe's inner circle is notoriously exclusive and has gradually become smaller over time. This is significant as it helps to clarify why, during the summer dispute with his employers, only one perspective, that of PSG, was reported by media outlets in France and beyond.

Aside from Mbappe, who holds the ultimate decision-making power, the key figure within his trusted inner circle is his mother, Lamari. Senior officials from Real Madrid have dubbed her 'La jefa' - the boss - although she consistently emphasizes that she works for Mbappe and that "he is in control."

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From a young age, Mbappe demonstrated a deep passion for football, proclaiming himself "destined for the sport." He was only six years old when he would confidently sing the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, believing it was practice for his future as a representative of the national team in the World Cup.

Furthermore, Mbappe took the initiative to learn Spanish and English during his school years, with a specific emphasis on how he would communicate with the media as a professional player. As a pre-teen, he even organized mock press conferences to prepare himself for the future.

"Kylian's determination and ambitions in football were unquestionable," observed Riccardi.

However, as early as 2018, a previous sporting director of a Premier League club recognized the importance of gaining the support of Mbappe's mother to influence him.

Ever since the attacker emerged victorious in the World Cup, Lamari's impact has surpassed that of Wilfried, the father of the forward, with whom she ended her relationship in 2021. Initially, it was Wilfried who laid out his son's footballing trajectory as the coach of Bondy's U15s.

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Kylian Mbappe attended the FIFA Best Awards last year alongside his father

Lamari, a former professional handball player, is known for being a meticulous negotiator who leaves no room for concessions. On the other hand, Wilfried, originally from Cameroon, acts as a mediator, ensuring that relationships with influential individuals remain positive and amicable.

Prior to this balance being disrupted, Real Madrid and PSG went to great lengths to secure a signing. Real Madrid relinquished image rights, while PSG offered Mbappe an exclusive and highly lucrative two-year contract, effectively granting him all the control. Additionally, Nike had been generously providing him with free boots since he was 10, and later entered into a formal agreement when he turned 12. During that time, he underwent a trial at Chelsea, who were interested in his further development before making a commitment. Lamari confidently warned them that they would regret their decision.

At the age of 14, Mbappe, depicted in his graphic novel 'Je m'appelle Kylian,' had the opportunity to meet his idol Cristiano Ronaldo and had a meeting with Zidane, signaling the start of Real's persistent pursuit.

"Perhaps one could argue that conducting a successful negotiation is a simple task when you are representing an exceptional talent," suggests a CAA agent specializing in France. "However, it can become considerably more intricate because, from a very young age, various individuals seek to exploit the situation for their own benefit."

Clubs can exhibit a heightened level of aggression and tactfulness in their pursuit of a player, as they genuinely desire to acquire their services. Credit must be given to Mbappe's family for their astute approach. Their success is not solely attributed to the lucrative deals they secured from PSG, which are truly remarkable. What sets them apart is their steadfast commitment to safeguarding their project against any external influences that could potentially corrupt it.

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Mbappe scored 15 Ligue 1 goals as Monaco lifted the title in 2016/17, before he had even turned 19

Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticized Lamari and Wilfried before the World Cup, accusing them of persuading Mbappe to reject Real Madrid and remain in Paris. "His parents suddenly take on roles as lawyers, agents, and coaches," the Swedish player stated while speaking to Canal Plus. "They have changed from one thing to another, and that's the issue. It's when you lose your self-discipline and sense of identity."

Today, in this modern era, parents, whether it's the father or the mother, tend to perceive themselves as celebrities. They eagerly seek attention and recognition in the media. However, it is important to question their inflated sense of self-importance and simply remain silent. The responsibility of working hard and maintaining discipline lies solely with their children, especially if they aspire to become successful players.

The couple dismissed the criticism as mere jealousy and Ibrahimovic seeking attention. It had no effect on them: their focus was on their son, disregarding others' opinions.

Mbappe's parents enlisted the assistance of lawyer Delphine Verheyden in 2015, choosing her over five other legal experts who had experience in the football industry. Their mistake was being captivated by the potential commission they would receive, even when the player was only 16 years old.

Verheyden, who represents several esteemed French Olympians, had no interest in the sport or a percentage of lucrative contracts. She instead charged Team Mbappe her standard hourly rate. Over the past five years, she has been an integral member of the player's 'equipe de force,' primarily alongside Lamari.

Completing the inner circle are Ethan, Kylian's younger brother in PSG's academy, and Jires Kembo Ekoko, his adopted sibling who is also a professional footballer.

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Ethan Mbappe made his debut in the PSG squad just last month. KEWJF, the company responsible for managing Mbappe's public relations and commercial commitments, derives its name from the initials of each family member's first name. With a turnover in the multi-millions, the company is thriving.

Agence Patricia Goldman, an independent communications consulting agency, specializes in image strategy and media relations. They provide advisory services to major global companies such as Coca-Cola... and even advise Mbappe.

One intriguing move made by this powerhouse team during the summer was their decision to remain silent during the standoff with PSG. This strategic choice enabled the club to completely control the narrative surrounding the situation.

Tanzi explains that the coverage regarding Mbappe was unfair, as his team decided not to provide any information from their side, leading to speculation about the financial impact of his departure as a free agent.

The situation posed a problem as we had just a single version, which belonged to the club. It is clear that the club should inform us about their own interests. Personally, I believe Mbappe made an error in judgment by not speaking privately with the press to provide clarification on certain matters, which would have also contributed to a better understanding among supporters.

The information we received was that Kylian communicated to the club his decision not to exercise his extension option. This was the official communication, and according to them, there was nothing further to include.

Those who have been covering France have expressed disappointment as Mbappe has consistently avoided participating in the usual pre-match press conferences as captain alongside Deschamps for several months. He intends to keep the focus solely on the national team and does not want his future or the controversies from the summer to overshadow their efforts. Any comments or remarks regarding PSG will be made at a later date, as he wants to ensure that his words are not misunderstood or taken out of context.

Six months ago, Mbappe criticized the club for exploiting him in a marketing campaign to sell season tickets by utilizing a generic in-house interview. He expressed concern that his image and brand were being manipulated.

In an Instagram post, he stated, "PSG does not define Kylian Saint-Germain."

In reality, in Paris, Mbappe takes center stage. He has become the epitome of football in France.

He is not just another celebrity like Justin Bieber, as his significance surpasses that. However, is he currently greater than Bellingham? Not at this moment, as the midfielder's prominence grows in Madrid, while Mbappe is currently sidelined.