The story of Real Madrid with Kylian Mbappé started off on the right foot on August 14. The Frenchman made his debut in the UEFA Super Cup and helped his new club win their first trophy of possibly many to come.
After several years of empty promises, the former Paris Saint-Germain forward and 2018 World Cup champion with his national team finally donned the white jersey, fulfilling his dream and that of millions of fans by joining as a free agent this summer.
“Finally, the arrival of Mbappé at Real Madrid, which was long-awaited,” said the legendary Hugo Sánchez during a videoconference on ESPN Deportes where LaLiga games will be broadcasted. “It was prolonged due to social, family, and political situations, a series of things… note that he didn’t come to Real Madrid because he didn’t want to, but because circumstances played a big role in his arrival, and that winning mentality will quickly connect with Real Madrid.”
The pentapichichi pointed out that the Spanish league was being surpassed by the English Premier League, and now with the arrival of the French superstar, things are leveling out.
“I have seen that the English league was surpassing the Spanish one with important signings, investing a lot of money, but we are seeing that the Spanish teams, not just the men’s but also the women’s, are showing a very high level,” Sánchez noted.
Real Madrid is the current champion of LaLiga and the Champions League, and with the signing of Mbappé and young Brazilian phenomenon Endrick, who joined the Merengue club in July, they seek to continue on that dominant path in the upcoming tournaments.
“All the new arrivals know what they are competing for, and that commitment is understood and embraced by everyone,” the Mexican said. “The fans love it, the coaches know it, [Carlo] Ancelotti feels that pressure, he is an expert in showcasing that talent while maintaining the calm needed to manage the figures of Real Madrid, and he aims to give prominence to almost all.”
Real Madrid debuts in the LaLiga season, which started on Thursday, away against Mallorca on Sunday (12:30 p.m. PT, ESPN Deportes).
Sánchez believes that despite being only 25 years old, Mbappé will have no problems with the pressure of continuing Real Madrid’s path of success and will keep winning titles, along with Ballon d’Ors.
“I notice in him that confidence he has acquired in the teams he has been with, under much attention, pressure, and responsibility, as he has matured a lot. Kylian Mbappé is ready to handle that pressure, and he really knows it.”