In June 2023, Kylian Mbappé officially informed Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) via letter that he would not be exercising the unilateral renewal clause in his contract, which would have extended his stay at the club until June 2025. The French star had already made up his mind to join Real Madrid, a decision that ultimately materialized.
According to the French newspaper L’Equipe, Mbappé’s choice to leave PSG came at a tremendous financial cost. By rejecting the renewal, the forward walked away from a staggering €250 million ($270 million) in potential earnings.
The financial details behind Mbappé’s missed earnings at PSG are astonishing. L’Equipe outlines the figures as follows:
- €70 million ($76 million) in salary, which included a 20% increase compared to his previous season’s earnings.
- €180 million ($194 million) in bonuses, incentives, and image rights-related payments.
Had he stayed for just one more season in Paris, he would have earned in one year what he will now receive over five years at Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s offer: Lower salary, but a unique advantage
At Real Madrid, Mbappé earns a gross salary of €32 million ($35 million) per season. In addition, he received a signing bonus of €100 million ($108 million) upon joining the club. While this is significantly lower than what he could have made at PSG, his move to Madrid offers other key benefits.
One of the most crucial factors in his decision was the image rights deal. Real Madrid typically splits image rights 50-50 between the club and the player. However, in Mbappé’s case, he secured an 80-20 split in his favor, making him the primary beneficiary of his personal brand revenue.
Why did Mbappé choose Real Madrid?
Despite the significant financial sacrifice, Mbappé’s decision was driven by sporting ambition rather than monetary gain. Playing for Real Madrid offers the French forward:
- The Chance to Win More Titles – Madrid is the most successful club in Champions League history, providing a greater opportunity for silverware.
- Personal and Professional Growth – At 25, Mbappé wanted a new challenge in his career.
- A Legacy Opportunity – Many legendary players have solidified their place in football history by succeeding at Real Madrid.
- Greater Control Over His Brand – The more favorable image rights deal enhances his financial opportunities outside of football.
A strategic move beyond money
Mbappé’s transfer to Real Madrid is one of the most significant moves in recent football history. While financially he sacrificed a massive sum, his long-term gains—both on and off the pitch—could outweigh the immediate monetary loss. With Madrid’s global brand and the possibility of cementing himself as one of the greatest players of all time, this decision may ultimately prove to be the best of his career.
In the end, it wasn’t just about money—it was about ambition, legacy, and a new chapter in football history.
