PSG Stars Reveal What Makes Mbappe Reunion 'Something Extra' Ahead of Club World Cup Semifinal Showdown

Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes are eagerly anticipating their upcoming encounter with former Paris Saint-Germain colleague Kylian Mbappé in the Club World Cup competition.

Following their impressive 2–0 victory over Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal round, PSG is now gearing up to meet Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semifinals. This eagerly awaited encounter will mark the first occasion Mbappé faces his previous club since transferring to the Spanish capital before the 2024–25 campaign.

Mbappé became part of PSG when he was 18 years old and remained with the French club for seven seasons. During his tenure, he claimed 15 trophies and netted 255 goals, establishing a new club record, before moving to Real Madrid without a transfer fee.

The 26-year-old striker will now encounter PSG on American soil, a meeting that his former colleague Hakimi discussed prior to this crucial encounter.

"[When the Club World Cup started] I contacted him and had a conversation as friends. He mentioned feeling slightly under the weather, but now he's completely recovered and prepared to compete," Hakimi revealed.

Mbappé was absent throughout the Club World Cup group phase due to gastroenteritis and has only appeared as a substitute in Real Madrid's two knockout matches. However, Xabi Alonso suggested that the French national team captain might receive his first starting opportunity of the tournament in Wednesday's match against PSG.

"As I mentioned, he remains a close friend, and [facing him in the semifinals will] be wonderful, but I will represent my team's colors, which is what matters most," Hakimi stated.

Mendes also commented on the forthcoming reunion: "It's exciting to compete against all the players participating in the Club World Cup, but certainly, there's something special because [Mbappé] is someone who was part of our squad.

"However, the reality is that we're ready to compete against the complete Real Madrid roster, that's our goal and what's most significant."

With a spot in the Club World Cup final at stake, PSG and Real Madrid will meet at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday, July 9. Luis Enrique's squad will aim to achieve their first triumph over Real Madrid since 2022, and their inaugural victory against Mbappé wearing the white jersey.