Why Rejecting Real Madrid Is Best Choice for Kylian Mbappé, According to Ex-Player

The future of Kylian Mbappé remains uncertain after Real Madrid issued a press release on Saturday stating that they’re not negotiating with the 24-year-old. 

Nonetheless, the speculation surrounding the Frenchman remains a topic of discussion. Even though most believe that the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner is heading to the Spanish capital, one former player hopes that’s not the case.

Former player and now Canal Plus pundit Samir Nasri states that the Parisian No. 7 should stay in Paris because he is a hometown kid. Furthermore, he notes that there is less interest in winning another UEFA Champions League at a club like Real Madrid.

“If he leaves, it will create a hole, but with [PSG’s] budget, they will be able to recruit other players who will not be Mbappé, that’s clear,” Nasri said on the Journal du Dimanche (h/t Paris Fans). “But today, he has such importance, whether with the French team or his club… Two years ago, I already said he was the best player in the world. I still think so.

“He is from the Paris region: his place, I would stay at PSG instead of going to Madrid to win the 15th Champions League for Real… If OM had been owned by Qatar when I was at the club, I would not have never left. I think it’s better to be king in your village.”

Mbappé is aware of the legacy he wants to leave behind despite entering his mid-20s. The forward wants to win the Champions League in Paris and give his hometown something it’s never had. He came close in 2020, but PSG fell in the final to Bayern Munich.

At Real Madrid, Mbappé would be behind a long list of players who have lifted the trophy. Meanwhile, winning it at PSG would make it unique, considering it’s his hometown.