Kylian Mbappe’s Real Madrid debut was everything he’d dreamed of

A primary match, a primary purpose and a primary title. After a seven-year prologue of illusions and disappointments, Kylian Mbappe’s story with Actual Madrid lastly started in earnest with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta within the UEFA Tremendous Cup.

Taking part in as a central striker flanked by Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo — however every with the licence to maneuver throughout the entrance line — it was a dream debut for the 25-year-old, with the membership he has at all times dreamed of representing.

It was a powerful evening for a number of of Madrid’s different stars. Jude Bellingham, moved slightly additional again in direction of midfield in Carlo Ancelotti’s new system, took management of the sport within the second half. Vinicius Jr supplied a superb help for Federico Valverde’s opening tap-in (the Uruguayan pointed to his No 8 in tribute to the now-retired Toni Kroos). However there was nonetheless a way of stress till Mbappe’s purpose within the 68th minute.

☝️ ¡El primer gol con el @RealMadrid nunca se olvida!@KMbappe | #6SuperCups pic.twitter.com/WZxRGjH5EA

— Actual Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 14, 2024

Discovered by Bellingham within the field, the Frenchman’s highly effective end sparked joyous scenes round a massively anticipated second, and one Mbappe himself will need to have visualised many occasions. Arms outstretched, he ran in direction of the nook flag and carried out his trademark celebration together with his fingers held tightly throughout his chest. In a flash, Vinicius Jr appeared as a mirror picture alongside him and, simply after, Rodrygo did the identical — however not earlier than Antonio Rudiger’s personal ritual of giving whoever has scored a (pleasant) slap.

“I’ve been ready for this second for a very long time,” Mbappe mentioned. “To play on this shirt, for this badge, for these followers.”

Bellingham mentioned: “It was destined for Kylian to attain tonight — in fact I anticipated it. He works like a canine for the workforce.”

One of many debates round Madrid in current months has been concerning the supposedly tough administration of egos that Ancelotti must take care of in a squad packed filled with thrilling expertise. Sources at Valdebebas — who wished to talk anonymously as they didn’t have permission to remark — have at all times insisted that this is among the healthiest dressing rooms in years. And scenes like these witnessed on Wednesday evening counsel there is no such thing as a purpose to doubt it.

“There are not any princes or kings right here,” mentioned Ancelotti the day earlier than the match in Warsaw.

Within the Polish capital, we noticed for the primary time the brand new formation for 2024-25, revealed by The Athletic again in mid-July. However within the build-up to the match, Madrid’s Italian supervisor didn’t need to totally resolve the massive query each fan wished a solution to: would Mbappe be a starter?

Earlier than Madrid’s 2022 Tremendous Cup look, Ancelotti mentioned solely gamers who had gained the Champions League within the months prior would begin. Many have been left questioning whether or not the identical concept would apply this yr. Mixed with the massive anticipation that has grown since Mbappe’s summer time signing, it made for an fascinating environment.

Hours earlier than the match, one very well-connected supply summed it up in a curious WhatsApp message: “Aren’t you going to ask me if Mbappe is enjoying? My entire household and all my pals need to know!”

On Tuesday, Madrid’s open coaching was adopted with significantly extra consideration than traditional, even for the Champions League winners. The eyes of each journalist and hospitality visitor have been solely on Mbappe, who additionally discovered the web throughout that session.

Some 24 hours later, on the similar Kazimierz Gorski Nationwide Stadium, he appeared in pristine white to heat up. His picture was intently adopted on the stadium screens. His identify was probably the most chanted when the line-ups have been introduced.

The protagonist appeared as cool as ever whereas this came about, exchanging relaxed passes with Bellingham, who would ultimately present the help for his purpose. It was additionally telling to identify these two collectively once more within the centre circle later, simply because the second half was about to start, deep in dialog, plotting the best way to rework the match.

When Mbappe left the get together within the 83rd minute, Valverde congratulated him on his solution to be part of the substitutes. On the sidelines, there was a heat embrace from Ancelotti and claps and cheers from the remainder of the employees. He shook fingers with every of his team-mates in addition to the physios and different specialists on the bench.

When the referee blew the whistle, a primary trophy now sealed, Mbappe embraced Madrid’s bodily coach Antonio Pintus, the person who has made him endure since arriving at Valdebebas for pre-season coaching on August 7.

“When he picked up his medal, he was completely happy — he’s are available on the correct foot,” mentioned Madrid president Florentino Perez, an important determine within the ahead’s signing this summer time, and within the membership’s decade-long pursuit.

“(I would like) rather more, rather more,” Mbappe mentioned after hugging his father on the sidelines because the celebrations bought going. “Once you play for Madrid, you haven’t any limits.”

It was an incredible begin for Mbappe and Madrid — however nothing to be happy with.

(High photograph: Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Photographs)