The World Cup winner was granted an extended break on the back of his commitments at Euro 2024, with Real leaving him out of their pre-season tour in the United States. After arriving in Spain as a free agent from Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe has been given time in which to adjust to life in new surroundings.
He was included from the start in a Super Cup clash with Atalanta, and made an immediate impact as he found the target in a 2-0 win. Mbappe told CBS Sports afterwards: “It’s a magical night. Always dreaming about this time of night, and now it is a reality. To play for this club, the best club in the world, is something crazy. I’m really happy to make my debut today. Of course we won a trophy. It’s really important to win a trophy, because everyone has won here. It’s a big pleasure for me, also to score a goal. As a striker, to be there and score for my team is always a pleasure and I hope to stay like this in the season to help the team more.”
Mbappe has become the latest ‘Galactico’ in Madrid and says it was never going to be a problem for him playing alongside fellow superstars such as Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. The France international added: “It is easy to play with them because they are great players, and all of the players in the team are great. This is Real Madrid and that’s why this is the best club in the world, because we have the best players here. It is a pleasure to play with Rodrygo, with Vinicius, also with Bellingham and with all the guys.”
Real are now readying themselves for the start of the 2024-25 La Liga season. Their defence of that domestic crown will get underway on the road at Real Mallorca on Sunday, with Mbappe also setting his sights on Champions League glory now that he is fully on board with the Blancos.