- Frenchman heading to Spain as a free agent
- Currently on Euro 2024 duty in Germany
- Race is on to land prestigious Golden Ball
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Spanish giants have spent several years trying to lure France international Mbappe to Santiago Bernabeu. They have finally got their man, with it confirmed that the World Cup winner will be heading to Spain as a free agent after reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
WHAT CARVAJAL SAID
His arrival is already generating plenty of excitement in Madrid, with long-serving Real star Carvajal telling AS of getting another superstar on board: “A layer of his stature is going to give us a lot; and I think that by wearing our shirt, surrounded by very good players, he will make us candidates for everything again. Hopefully, that will be the case and we will continue to win titles.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe is considered to be a contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, alongside new club colleagues Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. There have even been suggestions that Carvajal could come into the mix if Spain were to emerge victorious at Euro 2024, with the Liga and Champions League winner saying of his claims to a prestigious Golden Ball: “I really don’t even think about it. It’s true that I’ve had a great year, also in attack, with the goal in the Champions League final… If I do well at the European Championship, and if we win it, I can be on the shortlist. It wouldn’t be crazy.
“The most important thing is to score goals, it’s the most difficult thing. Vinicius and Bellingham have had a great year, Mbappe will be a candidate if France win the European Championship. I’m not even thinking about it. What I’m thinking about is going as far as possible at the European Championship and, if we can, being in the final in Berlin.”
WHAT NEXT?
Spain, France and England are all through to the last 16 of Euro 2024, giving them a shot at the ultimate prize, while Vinicius and Brazil have opened their quest for Copa America glory in the United States and will believe that they are also capable of landing a continental crown.
