Kylian Mbappé may now wear the famous white of Real Madrid, but the French superstar has not forgotten his past at Paris Saint-Germain. In a revealing and emotional interview, he shared his thoughts on PSG’s long-awaited Champions League triumph and explained why it was more than just a trophy for the Parisian club. His reflections shed light not only on his personal journey but also on the ongoing relationship between one of football’s brightest stars and the team that helped him rise to global fame.
When asked about PSG’s success, Mbappé was surprisingly humble. Despite leaving under controversial circumstances in 2024, he made it clear that he held no grudges and that he was genuinely pleased for his friends and former teammates. “I have friends on the team, and those who know me know that friendship is important to me. You can’t spit on a team where your friends are, even if it wasn’t PSG. My story ended, and I left without regrets. Even the things I did wrong are part of my story,” he explained.
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This statement is powerful because it captures something many fans often forget—behind the headlines, contracts, and transfers, there are friendships and human relationships that remain, even after players move on.
A New Chapter at Real Madrid
After leaving PSG on a free transfer in the summer of 2024, Mbappé joined Real Madrid, a club he had long admired and openly described as his dream destination. His arrival at the Santiago Bernabéu was one of the most talked-about transfers in football history, as PSG had spent years trying to convince him to stay. The French giants not only lost their biggest star but also missed out on a huge transfer fee, sparking debates about how they handled the situation.
At Madrid, Mbappé quickly proved his quality. He scooped the European Golden Boot and the La Liga top scorer award, underlining his ability to dominate in any league. However, despite these personal achievements, his first season with Los Blancos ended without a major team trophy. For a player of his ambition, this left a gap. Mbappé moved to Madrid with the dream of winning the UEFA Champions League, something that had escaped him at PSG. Yet, ironically, the year after he left, PSG finally achieved that very dream.
PSG’s Long-Awaited Champions League Glory
Paris Saint-Germain had been chasing the Champions League for over a decade, investing billions under Qatar Sports Investments ownership. They had come close in 2020 when they lost the final to Bayern Munich and again in later seasons with semifinal appearances. But it was only in 2025, a year after Mbappé’s departure, that PSG finally lifted the iconic trophy by beating Inter Milan convincingly.
For PSG, the Champions League was never just about silverware. It symbolized validation of their entire project—years of heavy investment, marquee signings, and criticism from football purists who doubted whether money could buy European glory. Mbappé himself acknowledged this sentiment in his interview, saying PSG’s victory “wasn’t just a trophy; it was proof that their project could succeed.”
That PSG won the UCL without him adds another layer of irony. Some fans argue that his departure allowed the team to evolve differently, with less dependency on one superstar. But others believe Mbappé was an essential part of building the foundation that finally carried PSG across the finish line.
No Bitterness, Only Respect
One of the biggest questions was whether Mbappé felt bitterness toward PSG for winning after his departure. His answer was clear: absolutely not. “When I played there, we came very close, reaching two semifinals and a final. We didn’t win, and my time was up. Real Madrid is calling me; it’s always been my dream. I could have left sooner, but I waited. Now I’m here, and PSG’s victory doesn’t take anything away from me.”
He also addressed the dispute that marked his exit from PSG. The saga had become messy, with reports of unpaid wages and disagreements over contracts. Mbappé clarified the situation by pointing out that it was simply labor law. “The procedure gave the impression that I wanted to harm PSG. But I just wanted to be paid for what I had earned with the sweat of my brow. Whether you like it or not, it’s still a job,” he explained.
His words showed maturity and professionalism. Instead of firing back at the club or stirring up controversy, he framed it as part of football’s reality. Fans may see the glamour, but behind the scenes, football is also a workplace with salaries, contracts, and legal responsibilities.
Real Madrid’s Chances Ahead
While PSG celebrated their long-awaited triumph, Mbappé remains focused on fulfilling his own Champions League dream with Real Madrid. Few clubs in history have dominated European football like Los Blancos, who have won the trophy five times in the last decade. With such pedigree, Mbappé’s chances of eventually lifting the Champions League remain high.
For Madrid, signing Mbappé was not just about adding another star; it was about reinforcing their identity as Europe’s ultimate powerhouse. For Mbappé, the move was about chasing history and cementing his legacy alongside legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Alfredo Di Stéfano.
Legacy Beyond Trophies
What makes Mbappé’s reflections stand out is the sense of maturity in his outlook. He no longer frames success purely in terms of trophies. Instead, he recognizes the importance of memories, friendships, and personal growth. For him, PSG’s Champions League victory is not a reminder of what he missed but a continuation of the story he helped build.
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In many ways, this honesty adds to his legacy. It shows he is not just a footballer driven by personal accolades but also someone who values the journey and respects the efforts of others. His words—“It’s more than just a trophy”—underline that the Champions League represents history, pride, and identity for clubs, players, and fans alike.