Real Madrid officially announces Mbappe’s debut date and shirt number, promising a spectacle on par with Ronaldo’s.
The official Real Madrid website has announced that Kylian Mbappe’s unveiling ceremony will take place at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium at noon on July 16th local time, approximately 17:00 Vietnam time.
The Spanish club also stated that the French forward will inherit the number 9 jersey left by compatriot Karim Benzema. Mbappe had aimed for the number 10 jersey, but with Luka Modric continuing at Real Madrid, the 25-year-old player has not been able to wear it. Real Madrid fans are expected to fill the 81,000-seat Santiago Bernabeu stadium to welcome Mbappe. This will be the biggest introduction of a new signing for “Los Blancos” since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in 2009.
Real Madrid has meticulously planned to welcome Mbappe. A pathway will be set up from the dressing room exit to the stage erected at the north end of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. Mbappe’s catwalk will be enhanced by pyrotechnic effects on both sides, while a sound system will provide background music for his introduction.
The stadium’s large screens will display images from Mbappe’s career, highlighting his 2018 World Cup triumph in Russia six years ago.
Real Madrid has not confirmed whether Mbappe will join the summer tour in the United States, starting with a match against AC Milan on August 1st, followed by clashes with Barcelona on August 4th and Chelsea on August 7th.
Afterward, the reigning Champions League champions will face Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup on August 15th, before beginning their La Liga title defense away to Mallorca on August 19th.
Real Madrid confirmed the successful signing of Mbappe on a free transfer on June 3rd, concluding one of the longest-running transfer sagas in football history. The French striker will play for “Los Blancos” under a five-year contract.
Mbappe’s French national team was recently eliminated by Spain in the EURO 2024 semi-finals. During the tournament in Germany, the 25-year-old forward suffered a broken nose in France’s first match and managed to score only one goal in five appearances.