Kylian Mbappé’s Real Madrid debut was everything he dreamed of
A first match, a first goal and a first title. After a seven-year prologue of illusions and disappointments, Kylian Mbappé’s story with Real Madrid finally began for real with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup.
Playing as a central striker, flanked by Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo – but both with the freedom to move across the front line – it was a dream debut for the 25-year-old at the club he had always wanted to represent.
It was an impressive night for several of Madrid’s other stars. Jude Bellingham, who had been moved further back into midfield in Carlo Ancelotti’s new system, took control of the game in the second half. Vinicius Jr. provided a brilliant assist for Federico Valverde’s opening step-in (the Uruguayan pointed to his number 8 in tribute to the now retired Toni Kroos). But there was still tension until Mbappé’s goal in the 68th minute.
☝️ The first wave with the @RealMadrid Never forget!@KMbappe | #6SuperCups photo.twitter.com/WZxRGjH5EA
— Real Madrid CF (@realmadrid) August 14, 2024
Bellingham found him in the penalty area and the Frenchman’s powerful finish sparked scenes of jubilation around a hugely anticipated moment, and one that Mbappe himself had surely seen many times before. He ran to the corner flag with his arms outstretched and performed his trademark celebration, hands pressed firmly to his chest. In a flash, Vinicius Jr appeared like a mirror image beside him and Rodrygo did the same shortly after — but not before Antonio Rudiger had performed a ritual of his own to give the scorer a (friendly) slap.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” Mbappe said. “To play in this shirt, in front of this badge, in front of these fans.”
Bellingham said: “It was meant to be that Kylian would score tonight — of course I expected it. He works like a dog for the team.”
Bellingham celebrates with Mbappe after Madrid’s second goal (Wojetk Radwanski/AFP via Getty Images)
One of the debates in Madrid in recent months has been the supposedly difficult ego management Ancelotti faces in a squad full of exciting talent. Sources close to Valdebebas — who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment — have consistently maintained that this is one of the healthiest dressing rooms in years. And scenes like Wednesday night’s suggest there is no reason to doubt that.
“There are no princes or kings here,” Ancelotti said the day before the match in Warsaw.
In the Polish capital we saw for the first time the new formation for 2024-25, unveiled by The Athletics back in mid-July. But in the run-up to the match, Madrid’s Italian manager didn’t quite want to answer the big question every fan wanted answered: would Mbappé be a starter?
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Ahead of Madrid’s bid for the 2022 Super Cup, Ancelotti said that only players who had won the Champions League in the preceding months would start. Many wondered whether the same theory would apply this year. Combined with the huge anticipation that has built since Mbappe’s summer signing, it made for an interesting atmosphere.
Vinicius Jr. celebrates the victory with Mbappe (Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Hours before the match, a very well-connected source summed it up in a curious WhatsApp message: “Are you not going to ask me if Mbappe is playing? My whole family and all my friends want to know!”
On Tuesday, Madrid’s open training was followed with considerably more attention than usual, even for the Champions League winners. The eyes of every journalist and hospitality guest were focused solely on Mbappe, who also managed to find the net during that session.
About 24 hours later, at the same Kazimierz Gorski National Stadium, he appeared in immaculate white to warm up. His image was closely followed on the stadium’s screens. His name was the most chanted when the line-ups were announced.
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The protagonist still looked as cool as ever as this happened, exchanging relaxed passes with Bellingham, who would eventually provide the assist for his goal. It was also telling to see the two together again in the centre circle later, just as the second half was about to begin, deep in conversation, plotting how to transform the match.
As Mbappe left the party in the 83rd minute, Valverde congratulated him on making it to the substitutes. On the sidelines, there was a warm hug from Ancelotti and clapping and cheering from the rest of the staff. He shook hands with each of his teammates, as well as with the physiotherapists and other specialists on the bench.
Perez and Mbappe embrace after the match (Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
When the referee blew his whistle and the first trophy was secured, Mbappé embraced Madrid’s physical trainer, Antonio Pintus, the man who has caused him so much pain since his arrival in Valdebebas for pre-season training on August 7.
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“When he collected his medal he was happy – he has started on the right foot,” said Madrid president Florentino Perez, a crucial figure in the striker’s arrival this summer and the club’s decade-long struggle.
“(I want) much more, much more,” Mbappe said after embracing his father on the touchline as the celebrations began. “When you play for Madrid, you have no limits.”
It was a great start for Mbappé and Madrid, but nothing to be happy about.
(Top photo: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)
