Kylian Mbappe has refrained from discussing his future thus far. According to MARCA’s report on February 19, 2024, the French footballer has reportedly finalized his contract with Real Madrid.
Yet, the player’s fate post-June 2024, when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain officially ends, remains uncertain, as Mbappe continues to maintain secrecy regarding his plans.
Mbappe made it clear in the press room that he intends to have his future sorted before the commencement of the European Championship in Germany, slated to kick off on June 14. He emphasized that while the tournament will be his top priority, he hopes to have his situation resolved by then, stating, “The European Championship will be my priority, but I hope it will be settled by then.” He added, “At the European Championship, I will focus on the national team.”
Furthermore, Mbappe explained that if he hasn’t made any announcements yet, it’s because there’s nothing to announce. He concluded his remarks with a question directed at the journalist, asking, “When you watch my last matches, do you see a distracted guy?”
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Why has Mbappe not yet disclosed his future plans? The Real Reason and When Exactly He Will Do So
Jerome Rothen, a former PSG player and commentator for RMC Sport, is among those who have ventured to speculate on the matter.
According to Rothen, “Mbappe is destined to join Real Madrid. I’m not breaking any new ground here,” stated the former player. He further added, “He will make the announcement before the European Championship. The timing will depend on PSG’s or Real Madrid’s elimination from the Champions League, particularly if Real Madrid faces Manchester City in the quarter-finals or beyond.”
Rothen emphasized that Mbappe is unlikely to make any announcements as long as there is a chance of a PSG-Real Madrid clash in the Champions League.
While the Champions League quarter-finals have yet to commence, the fixtures are set to begin shortly, with Real Madrid facing Manchester City on April 9 at 21:00. The following day, PSG, led by Luis Enrique, will take on Barcelona, managed by Xavi Hernandez.
The return legs of both fixtures are scheduled for April 16 and 17. Depending on the outcomes of these matches, Rothen’s theory may be validated. Otherwise, further clarity may come during the semi-finals (April 30 and May 7) or even the final (June 1).
Mbappe’s Challenges: Limited Role Under Luis Enrique and Off-Field Controversy Over Kebab Tribute
Mbappe is currently facing a challenging situation under head coach Luis Enrique, who has opted to utilize the French player primarily as a luxury substitute. Luis Enrique has even expressed concern about the potential risk of injury to Mbappe and fellow winger Ousmane Dembele, which has led to Mbappe’s limited appearances in recent weeks.
“We’re meticulously analyzing each player’s condition. Every match holds significance, including tomorrow’s and our upcoming Champions League fixtures,” Luis Enrique conveyed to the media ahead of their Ligue 1 clash against OGC Nice.
“Ousmane is available without any issues; he’s at the coach’s disposal. However, we need to manage the playing time of explosive players like Dembele and Mbappe carefully due to their exceptional speed, which entails certain risks,” he emphasized.
With several new players on board, there’s a distinct shift in the team’s approach compared to previous seasons. Luis Enrique sees this as an opportunity to instill a sense of strength and unity among the players, reflecting the enthusiasm and backing from the fans. Personally, he feels content with the current phase of the project, emphasizing the importance of managing the soccer project in alignment with the team’s vision.
However, issues for Mbappe extend beyond the pitch. Recently, influencer Mohamed Henni found himself in hot water after creating a kebab in Mbappe’s honor, which he dubbed “shameful,” according to reports.
The controversial kebab is detailed as consisting of “bakery bread, shaped as round as Mbappe’s head, accompanied by a secret sauce named ‘victory,’ red onions (referred to as red cards), tomatoes, ‘never sick’ salad, and chicken kebab marinated in Tex-Mex spices ‘to make your ex jealous’.” This culinary creation has prompted a complaint from Mbappe’s legal team, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the unauthorized use of the player’s name and likeness.
