Mbappe Faces Career-Defining Moment as Real Madrid Reaches Club World Cup Semifinal
Kylian Mbappé is preparing to encounter his previous club, Paris Saint-Germain, for the very first time since his move to Real Madrid.
Following their 3–2 triumph over Borussia Dortmund in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals, Real Madrid secured the last available spot in the semifinals. The Spanish giants now join Fluminense, Chelsea, and PSG as the remaining four teams competing for the title in this expanded version of the Club World Cup.
Before Real Madrid can contemplate claiming their maiden trophy under Xabi Alonso's leadership, they must first overcome the reigning European champions in the semifinals.
PSG represents a familiar adversary for Real Madrid, having met eight times in Champions League competition during the past ten years. However, nobody understands the Parisian club better than Mbappé himself.
The French forward arrived at PSG when he was just 18 years old, securing a record-breaking transfer worth €180 million ($195.4 million). Mbappé subsequently spent seven campaigns in Paris, capturing six Ligue 1 championships during his tenure. He also established himself as the club's highest-scoring player in history with 255 goals.
Mbappé departed the club following the conclusion of the 2023–24 season before joining Real Madrid without a transfer fee. Despite delivering an impressive inaugural campaign in Madrid's colors, earning both the Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Boot, the 26-year-old was unable to guide the Spanish club to any significant silverware.
PSG, on the other hand, concluded their 2024–25 season by claiming their maiden Champions League trophy. Real Madrid might have faced Luis Enrique's squad in the Champions League semifinals, but Arsenal knocked them out during the quarterfinal stage.
Mbappé will finally have the opportunity to compete against PSG in the Club World Cup semifinals. This encounter will represent only his third appearance for the tournament in the United States this summer, having missed the group matches due to health issues.
With a place in the Club World Cup final at stake, combined with the additional intensity of facing his former team, colleagues, and coach, Mbappé will be eager to secure his first starting position in the competition and score his second goal.
PSG and Real Madrid are scheduled to meet at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday, July 9.