Kylian Mbappe’s Transfer Fee: How Many Millions of Euros Did Real Madrid Pay?

Kylian Mbappe in a Real Madrid jersey

Kylian Mbappé, one of the world’s most valuable football players, joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in a landmark deal. This move made him the most valuable free transfer in history, with a market value estimated at €180 million. The French superstar signed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants.

Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid sent shockwaves through the football world. His €180 million market value solidified his position as the world’s most valuable player, and his transfer was one of the most talked-about topics in the sport. This transfer became the most valuable free transfer in history, surpassing Lionel Messi’s move from Barcelona to PSG in 2021, when Messi’s market value was around €80 million. Mbappé’s free transfer significantly eclipsed this previous record, marking a new era in player movement. Since Transfermarkt started tracking market values in 2004, no player of this caliber had ever moved on a free transfer.

Real Madrid had previously attempted to acquire Mbappé in 2017, but the player ultimately chose to move from Monaco to PSG. To comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, PSG initially loaned Mbappé for a year before securing a permanent transfer in 2018 for €145 million. The deal included a clause guaranteeing Monaco an additional €35 million if Mbappé renewed his contract or was sold. Four years later, Mbappé’s new contract with PSG triggered this clause, resulting in the additional payment to Monaco. This intricate financial history highlights the complex nature of high-profile transfers in modern football and underscores the significance of Mbappé’s eventual free transfer to Real Madrid.