On Sunday afternoon in the Spanish capital, Real Madrid fans will finally get to see Kylian Mbappe play in the club’s white shirt at their Bernabeu home ground. Many will recall some of his previous appearances at the stadium — including his impressive display for Paris Saint-Germain against Madrid in their Champions League last-16 second leg in February 2022. Advertisement Back then, some at Madrid took it as a given that Mbappe would be joining them that summer.
Perhaps good things come to those who wait? Newly-promoted Real Valladolid — Madrid’s opponents this weekend — might see things differently. Here, The Athletic’s Real Madrid correspondents Mario Cortegana and Guillermo Rai take a look back at some of the club’s other ‘Galactico’ home debuts — three of which even include an appearance from Usain Bolt. Luis Figo Figo’s signing was one of the most dramatic in football history when he came directly from Clasico rivals Barcelona — where he was captain, too.
During his presentation (three months before his debut) Madrid’s new recruit seemed to be in disbelief that he had taken this step. Spanish press reports from the time describe him as being in a “state of shock”. His debut came in a 2-1 defeat by Galatasaray in the UEFA Super Cup, but at the Bernabeu we saw signs of the situation turning around.
In his first game at the Bernabeu, Figo’s display was one full of desire. He constantly tried to get forward and was a real danger to the Valen.