Kylian Mbappé presented in front of a packed Santiago Bernabeu stadium: "Since I was a child, I dreamed of playing for Madrid"

Kylian Mbappé finally put a real Madrid jersey on Tuesday, realizing his childhood dream in front of a sold-out crowd Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Nearly 80,000 fans were present at the Bernabéu to welcome the 25-year-old French player during his official presentation as the club's new player.

After signing his five-year contract with the Spanish powerhouse alongside the club President Florentino PerezMbappé entered the stage set up at the Bernabéu to thunderous cheers from the Madrid fans.

Wearing the number 9 jersey, Mbappe smiled broadly and greeted fans who chanted his name, then embraced Perez and the former Real Madrid player and coach. Zinedine Zidanewho invited Mbappe to visit the Spanish club for the first time when he was just a teenager.

“This is an incredible day for me,” Mbappe told the crowd, speaking in Spanish. “Since I was little, I've dreamed of playing for Madrid and today I'm here. It means a lot to me.”

Mbappe's relatives, club officials and several former players were present on stage at the Bernabeu stadium, which had the roof closed for the midday ceremony in the Spanish capital. Children linked to the Mbappe foundation were also present.

The record – 15 European Cups Real Madrid's winning goals were also on display on the stage where Mbappé was introduced.

The message 'Welcome Mbappé' was broadcast on the big screens of the new Bernabéu stadium. Some of the club's most iconic moments were also shown while the song 'Nessun Dorma' was played over the loudspeakers. Footage from Mbappé's career was also shown, as well as photos of Mbappé wearing the Real Madrid shirt as a child and posing alongside former stars of the club. Cristiano Ronaldo.

Perez called Mbappe's presentation a “historic act” for the club.

“Today we welcome an exceptional player who is now fulfilling his childhood dream,” said Perez. “You are here today because it is something you wanted. Thank you for making a great effort to be able to wear this white jersey.”

Mbappe's presentation came after playing at the 2024 European Championship, where France lost to eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals.

After years of trying to sign the youngster, Madrid finally reached an agreement with him in June when he opted not to stay at Paris Saint-Germain and became a free agent.

Mbappe has only played club football for French teams – first at Monaco before joining PSG and remained there for the last seven seasons.

Perez has made signing Mbappe a strategic priority for the club since the football giants failed to sign him when he visited the club's facilities at the age of 14 and instead joined Monaco's youth academy.

In 2021, Madrid were rejected after offering PSG a bid of 180 million eurosthe same amount PSG had paid Monaco for a teenage Mbappé years earlier.