By Africa Live News
Real Madrid’s latest star signing, Kylian Mbappé, has spoken candidly about Paris Saint-Germain’s historic UEFA Champions League triumph—a victory that came just one season after his high-profile departure from the French capital. In an emotional interview, the 26-year-old forward dismissed notions of regret, saying his journey with PSG had simply reached its natural conclusion.
Mbappé, who joined PSG as a teenager in 2017, spent seven seasons at the club and became its all-time leading scorer with 256 goals. Yet despite his immense individual success and numerous domestic titles, the UEFA Champions League title eluded both him and the club—until now.
PSG stunned the football world last season by defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final, a comprehensive and symbolic victory that came just months after Mbappé joined Spanish giants Real Madrid.
“My Story Was Over in Paris”
Speaking ahead of France’s 2-0 victory over Germany in the UEFA Nations League third-place playoff on Sunday, Mbappé addressed the elephant in the room—the Champions League trophy PSG finally won without him.
“Did I leave too soon? No. My story was over, it had to end,” Mbappé told RMC Sport. “There was no bitterness. I’d reached the end of the road.”
Despite speculation that the timing of his departure might haunt him, the 2018 World Cup winner insists he has no regrets and chalked PSG’s delayed success up to destiny.
“I would have tried anything. It’s just fate that it had to happen without me,” he said, emphasizing that his departure had nothing to do with animosity toward the club or its management.
A Painful but Proud Moment
PSG’s long-awaited triumph in Europe’s most prestigious club competition came after years of heartbreak and near-misses, including a 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the 2020 final—a match in which Mbappé played but failed to score.
The recent Champions League success was especially painful for some fans and pundits who had associated Mbappé with PSG’s ambitious European dream. Yet in the end, it was a restructured team that delivered, finally lifting the trophy after a dominant performance in the final.
Since the win, PSG insiders and fans alike have subtly and not-so-subtly pointed to Mbappé’s absence as a turning point. Some even credited his departure with “unlocking” a more cohesive and team-centric style of play, sparking debates about whether the club was better off without its former talisman.
PSG Leadership Throws Shade
High-ranking officials within the Paris-based club have also made indirect comments seemingly aimed at Mbappé. A senior PSG board member, who asked to remain anonymous, reportedly told L’Équipe: “Sometimes you need to close one chapter to write a new one. We thank Kylian for everything, but this was a team victory—a collective effort, finally.”
Meanwhile, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said after the final: “This trophy is for every fan who waited, for every player who fought, and for the team that believed. It proves that football is not just about individual brilliance—it’s about unity.”
A New Chapter at Real Madrid
Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. The French captain has already started integrating into the Spanish champions’ squad, eager to make his mark in a team with an illustrious Champions League pedigree.
Though he missed out on the continental glory with PSG, Mbappé’s dream of lifting the trophy remains alive at the Santiago Bernabéu—a stadium synonymous with European greatness.
“I came to Madrid to write a new story. PSG was a beautiful chapter, but I am here now, fully focused on achieving more,” he said in an earlier interview following his presentation at Real Madrid.
No Regrets, Just New Goals
Mbappé’s statement comes amid a flurry of media speculation and fan reactions surrounding PSG’s title win and his departure. But for the Frenchman, the future remains the focus.
“Sometimes, things just don’t happen the way you plan,” he told RMC Sport. “You give your best, you dream big, and then life decides a different path. I accept that.”
He added that he continues to support his former teammates from afar and hopes PSG can build on their European success.
“There’s no bad blood. I’m happy for the club, for the fans. They deserved it,” Mbappé said.
Legacy Still Intact
Despite the narrative surrounding PSG’s Champions League title, Mbappé’s contributions to the club remain undeniable. He helped deliver multiple Ligue 1 titles, French Cups, and Super Cups, and his goal-scoring record will be tough to match.
For many PSG fans, Mbappé will always be remembered as the icon who raised the club’s global profile—even if he wasn’t there for their greatest triumph.
What’s Next?
As the dust settles on PSG’s Champions League victory, all eyes will be on how Mbappé performs in Spain. With the UEFA Nations League behind him and pre-season preparations underway at Real Madrid, the superstar forward has his sights set on a fresh campaign.
“Every player dreams of the Champions League,” he said. “I came close, but now I start again—with hunger, with purpose.”
And as for whether he feels vindicated or disappointed?
“No regrets,” Mbappé replied with a smile. “Only lessons and new goals.”
