With Mbappe’s arrival, Real Madrid could begin a new galactic era

MADRID —

A new “galactic” era may begin at Real Madrid.

After years without signing a big name player, Madrid have finally enticed Kylian Mbappe to join the long list of stars who have been part of the Spanish giants’ history.

The French star joins a team that includes young stars such as Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, and with whom Madrid are looking forward to more trophies, perhaps ushering in a period of success that could be very long.

Just last Saturday, Madrid extended their Champions League record to 15 titles – their sixth in 10 years. Two days later, he announced that they had finally hired Mbappe after several failed attempts.

“It’s official. I’ll be a Real Madrid player for at least the next five seasons. “It’s a huge pleasure, a dream come true, very exciting,” Mbappe said on Tuesday in Metz, ahead of France’s friendly against Luxembourg. “I’m very happy, relieved and am extremely proud to join the club I have always dreamed of,” he added. “I am very happy to join this great club, the best in the world.”

Madrid have failed to secure a high-level signing since Eden Hazard’s arrival from Chelsea in 2019, but the Belgian has fallen short of expectations due to injury. The last time Madrid entered the market for a star was after the 2014 World Cup with Colombian James Rodriguez and German Toni Kroos, who recently retired. They signed Gareth Bale in 2013 and Luka Modric in 2012.

Karim Benzema, who eventually led the attack in place of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, left for the Saudi League last year. He was replaced by Joselu, whose goals played a key role in the victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals.

After Cristiano left, the club took the risk of acquiring Hazard. But president Florentino Perez decided to keep the team he already had and several unproven young players such as Brazilians Vinicius and Rodrigo.

Endric, the new pearl of Brazil, will land in Madrid this season from Palmeiras.

Galacticos was assembled by Perez in the early 2000s, recruiting Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham. They won the Champions League and the Spanish League twice.

By not spending too much money in recent transfer windows and signing Mbappe as a free agent, Madrid have saved money and are able to bring in more players.

“The club is never satisfied,” admitted coach Carlo Ancelotti after the Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund.

Thanks to Mbappe’s scoring contribution, Ancelotti will have a more formidable attack.