Kylian Mbappe’s ongoing transfer saga continues to make headlines as his PSG contract winds down. The World Cup winner remains heavily linked with a blockbuster free transfer to Real Madrid this summer. While Los Blancos fans eagerly anticipate Mbappe’s arrival, one former Barcelona legend has also given his blessing for the move.
Rivaldo, who shone for the Catalan club between 1997-2002, believes Mbappe switching to La Liga with Real would benefit Spanish football. The Brazilian playmaker reasoned that fans would relish seeing the French superstar playing domestically every week.
Mbappe moving to the Santiago Bernabeu would reinforce La Liga’s standing by attracting global talent. Rivaldo’s comments underline that despite the fierce Clásico rivalry, Mbappe strengthening Real could help elevate the league’s worldwide profile.
Mbappe’s Contract Situation Still Unresolved
Mbappe’s future remains up in the air as the football world awaits his big transfer decision this summer. The 23-year-old sensation has so far refused to extend his expiring PSG contract. This has fueled intense speculation that he will depart on a bosman free transfer when the window opens.
Real Madrid has pursued Mbappe for years and are strong favorites to finally sign their long-term target. Transfer experts claim negotiations advanced significantly in January between the club and player. But with Mbappe’s deal only running until June 30, nothing can be finalized yet.
PSG still hopes to retain their prized asset, with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi insisting nobody is bigger than the French champions. He recently declared “Mbappe is going to stay here, 100%,” and that “he already has a great team.”
However, PSG faces an uphill battle convincing Mbappe to stay unless they unexpectedly agree a contract extension before summer. Al-Khelaifi’s public optimism contrasts with most pundits predicting the striker will depart after five years leading PSG’s attack.
Mbappe fuelled exit talk last month by revealing he has “nearly made my decision.” Whichever club he chooses, they will acquire one of the most gifted and marketable players in world football without paying a transfer fee.
Rivaldo Welcomes Mbappe Choosing Real Madrid
Former Barcelona forward Rivaldo entered this transfer debate from a rare perspective of understanding both club’s interests. In an interview, the 1999 Ballon d’Or winner backed Mbappe switching from PSG to become Real Madrid’s new galactico.
Despite representing Barca with distinction, Rivaldo gave his blessing for Mbappe joining their fiercest nemesis. He claimed the move “would be good for Spanish football” rather than boosting Madrid specifically. Rivaldo believes La Liga would benefit from having Mbappe involved every week.
The Brazilian suggested Real winning the race for Mbappe’s signature would enhance the league’s global reputation. He noted both clubs and the Spanish game itself would stand to gain commercially from Mbappe’s star appeal.
Rivaldo’s wish is for Mbappe to remain in Ligue 1, which he feels needs its best talents playing domestically. However, he acknowledged the allure of Real will likely prove irresistible for any player.
While wanting Mbappe to stay in France, Rivaldo considers Madrid the ideal Spanish destination if he departs PSG. Barca’s former #10 gave Mbappe his blessing to ignite the next phase of his glittering career at the Bernabeu.
Mbappe’s Remarkable PSG Career
Mbappe is one of the hottest commodities in football after a sensational five seasons in the French capital. His electrifying performances have established him as a global superstar aged just 23.
PSG signed the prodigy from Monaco initially on loan in 2017 before completing his €180 million transfer a year later. Mbappe’s exploits drove France’s World Cup triumph in 2018 while still a teenager. On the club stage with PSG, he has won four Ligue 1 titles and been Ligue 1 top scorer three times.
In total, Mbappe has produced an astonishing 168 goals and 83 assists in just 214 appearances for PSG. He recently overtook legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to become the club’s third-highest scorer ever.
Mbappe has formed a fearsome front three alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar this season. He has 19 goals in all competitions so far and remains integral to PSG’s hopes of a maiden Champions League crown.
However, securing Mbappe to a long-term contract extension has proven impossible so far. Once his deal expires, PSG risks losing their talisman for free if he opts for a fresh challenge in Spain.
Why Real Madrid Need Mbappe
Real Madrid has aggressively pursued Mbappe for the last four years, indicative of how perfectly he suits their needs. Landing the French phenomenon would hand coach Carlo Ancelotti world football’s most fearsome forward to spearhead their attack.
With 34 goals this term, Karim Benzema is enjoying an Indian summer aged 34. But Mbappe’s arrival would secure Real’s long-term future up front and ensure a smooth transition from the Benzema era.
Pairing Mbappe with VinÃcius Junior would give Los Blancos devastating pace and directness in the final third. At 23, Mbappe still has his peak years ahead and could dominate La Liga for the next decade. His blistering acceleration and clinical finishing would elevate Real’s forward line.
Signing free agents like Mbappe could save Real fortunes in transfer fees. This would enable further squad investment to refresh a successful but aging core group this summer.
Mbappe would also expand Real’s commercial interests. They recently topped Forbes’ ranking as football’s most valuable club, with their enterprise valued at $5.1 billion. Adding arguably soccer’s most marketable superstar can only extend their off-field earnings.
Ultimately, Mbappe represents the ideal galáctico signing to drive Real’s sporting and financial future. Capturing his signature would complete a lengthy but patient pursuit that promises to define their next glorious era.
Why Mbappe Might Choose Madrid Over PSG
Although PSG will make every effort to keep him, several factors support Mbappe electing to start a new chapter in Madrid this summer:
- Opportunity to become Real’s new superstar in the mould of Cristiano Ronaldo
- Chance to play under coaching legend Carlo Ancelotti
- Switching to a more competitive league than Ligue 1
- Real’s track record of success and European pedigree
- Forming an elite attack trio with Benzema and VinÃcius
- Boosting his personal brand playing for arguably the world’s biggest club
- Testing himself outside of his native France for the first time
While PSG’s Qatari-backed project remains attractive, Real’s heritage and culture of winning may prove irresistible. Trophies, not money, seem Mbappe’s primary motivation at this stage of his eminent career.
Mbappe Could Make La Liga His Stage
Rivaldo’s public comments endorsing Mbappe to Madrid underline the broader appeal this transfer holds. Spanish football needs its next global superstar to help regain ground lost to the Premier League commercially.
Mbappe has the talent and marketability to elevate La Liga to new levels. His rivalry with emerging Barca star Ansu Fati could define the next generation of the iconic Clásico fixture. From Rivaldo’s perspective, Mbappe strengthening traditional powerhouses like Madrid and Barca benefits the Spanish game overall.
Beyond economic factors, Spanish fans would revel in watching Mbappe’s brilliance every week. TV viewers worldwide would equally tune in regularly to see his speed, skill and lethal finishing on display.
Of course, anti-Madrid sections of Spanish football may oppose Mbappe joining their arch-nemesis. Rival fans know his arrival would make Real even harder to beat domestically and in Europe.
But players with Mbappe’s generational gifts are scarce. His signing would strengthen the selling power of La Liga as a product when the league desperately needs star attractions. If his desired move to Real eventuates, Mbappe instantly becomes the new face of Spanish club football.
Conclusion: Mbappe’s Madrid Move Has Widespread Support
Former Barcelona great Rivaldo is the latest influential voice to endorse Kylian Mbappe switching to Real Madrid this summer. While rivals Barcelona might rue missing out on Mbappe themselves, Rivaldo gave his blessing for the Frenchman to join Los Blancos.
In the Brazilian’s view, Mbappe playing regularly in Spain benefits La Liga regardless of his club colors. Rivaldo contends Mbappe’s star power and media profile would help attract new fans and broadcast revenues.
Consequently, even figures with Barcelona links seem supportive of Mbappe choosing Spain as his next destination. His arrival would boost La Liga’s international standing at a time when Spanish clubs need more star attractions.
For PSG, losing a national icon like Mbappe would be a bitter blow, especially for free. But the 23-year-old needs to continue challenging himself at the pinnacle of the game. Real Madrid offers the perfect platform for Mbappe to solidify his status as the heir to Messi and Ronaldo’s throne.
From Rivaldo to fans worldwide, anticipation is building for Mbappe’s decision. Should the dots connect for Mbappe to finally complete his dream move, Spanish football would become must-see viewing each week.
