The Elusive Champions League Dream
French football sensation Kylian Mbappe’s journey with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) came to an end in 2023/24, a season marked by both triumph and disappointment. Despite reaching the UEFA Champions League semifinals, PSG once again fell short of the ultimate prize, leaving Mbappe’s dream of winning the prestigious trophy with the Ligue 1 giants unfulfilled. On May 10, 2023, Mbappe announced his departure from PSG via a social media video, confirming that he would be leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season. Nearly a month later, Real Madrid, the Spanish and European champions, officially confirmed that Mbappe had signed a contract to join their ranks. This move was seen as a significant step towards achieving his Champions League aspirations, given Real Madrid’s storied history in the competition. However, the early signs of the 2024/25 campaign have been mixed, with a solid start followed by a setback and a dramatic comeback, leaving the future of his Champions League dream uncertain.
A Career of Trophies and Glory
Throughout his career, Kylian Mbappe has amassed an impressive 14 club trophies, including multiple Ligue 1 titles, Coupe de France, and Coupe de la Ligue victories with PSG. His international achievements are equally remarkable, highlighted by his crucial role in France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph. Despite these accolades, the Champions League remains the one major trophy that has eluded him. Mbappe’s closest brush with Champions League glory came in the 2019/20 season when PSG reached the final but were defeated 1-0 by Bayern Munich. The following year, he led PSG to the semifinals, where they were eliminated by Manchester City with a 4-1 aggregate score. Earlier in his career, while playing for Monaco, Mbappe reached the semifinals in the 2016/17 season, only to be knocked out by Juventus, also with a 4-1 aggregate score. These near-misses have only fueled his determination to finally lift the coveted trophy.
Individual Excellence in the Champions League
While the team success in the Champions League has been elusive, Mbappe’s individual performances have been nothing short of stellar. His form in the tournament has earned him several prestigious awards. In 2018, he was selected for the UEFA Team of the Year, a recognition of his outstanding contributions. Additionally, he has been named in the Champions League Team of the Season four times, a testament to his consistent excellence on the European stage. These accolades highlight his status as one of the best players of his generation and underscore his importance to any team he represents. As he transitions to Real Madrid, the expectations are high, and the pressure to deliver in the Champions League is immense.
A Phenomenal Goalscoring Record
Mbappe’s goalscoring prowess in the Champions League is a key aspect of his career. He first burst onto the scene with Monaco in the 2016/17 season, scoring six goals in nine appearances, all of which came in the knockout rounds against Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus. Since his high-profile move to PSG in 2017, his goalscoring record has remained phenomenal. As of February 18, 2025, Mbappe has netted 52 goals in just 83 appearances in the competition. This impressive tally places him among the top goalscorers in Champions League history, a list dominated by legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. His ability to perform under pressure and in high-stakes matches has been a defining feature of his career, and it will be crucial as he aims to lead Real Madrid to glory.
Season-by-Season Performance
To understand Mbappe’s journey in the Champions League, it’s essential to look at his performance on a season-by-season basis. In the 2016/17 season with Monaco, he reached the semifinals, scoring six goals in nine appearances. His move to PSG in 2017/18 saw him reach the last 16, where he scored four goals in eight appearances. The following season, he again reached the last 16, scoring four goals in eight appearances. The 2019/20 season was his most successful with PSG, as they made it to the final, and he scored five goals in 10 appearances. In 2020/21, PSG reached the semifinals, and Mbappe contributed eight goals in 10 appearances. The 2021/22 season saw him reach the last 16, scoring six goals in eight appearances. In 2022/23, he again reached the last 16, scoring seven goals in eight appearances. The 2023/24 season was another semifinal run, with eight goals in 12 appearances. In his first season with Real Madrid, he has already made a significant impact, scoring four goals in nine appearances, including a crucial assist in a dramatic 5-2 comeback win over Borussia Dortmund.
The Road Ahead
With Real Madrid, Mbappe now faces a new challenge and a fresh opportunity to realize his Champions League dream. The Spanish giants have a rich history in the competition, having won it a record 14 times. However, the 2024/25 campaign has been a rollercoaster, with a solid start followed by a loss to Lille and a thrilling comeback against Dortmund. Mbappe’s role in this comeback, providing the assist for Antonio Rudiger and setting the stage for Vinicius Junior’s hat-trick, showcases his leadership and impact on the team. As Real Madrid prepare to face Manchester City in the knockout playoffs, the stage is set for Mbappe to make his mark. The pressure is on, but his track record suggests that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion. The world will be watching to see if this move to Real Madrid will finally bring the Champions League trophy to one of the game’s most talented players.
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappe’s career is a testament to his exceptional talent and relentless drive. While the Champions League has remained an elusive goal, his individual achievements and goalscoring record in the competition are a source of pride and inspiration. Joining Real Madrid, a club with a storied history in the Champions League, represents a significant step towards realizing his dream. The 2024/25 season has been a mixed bag, but Mbappe’s performances have shown that he is ready to lead Real Madrid to the top of European football. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with his skill, determination, and the support of his new teammates, the possibility of finally winning the Champions League is within reach.
