The similarities between Ronaldo's and Mbappe's move to Madrid
There are several similarities between Kylian Mbappe's move to Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo's move to the same club in 2009
High-profile Transfers
Both transfers were among the most high-profile in football history at the time. Ronaldo's move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 was a world-record transfer fee at that time, and Mbappe's transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid has generated significant excitement and media attention.
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Young Age
Both players were relatively young at the time of their transfers. Ronaldo was 24 years old when he moved to Real Madrid, while Mbappe is 25 years old at the time of his transfer. Both were considered among the best players in the world in their respective eras.
Galactico Status
Both transfers were seen as significant signings in Real Madrid's pursuit of assembling a team of "Galacticos" – world-class players with superstar status. Ronaldo's arrival in 2009 marked the beginning of Real Madrid's "Galactico" era under Florentino Perez's presidency, and Mbappe's signing in 2024 continues that tradition.
Record-breaking Transfers
While Mbappe's transfer to Real Madrid was on a free transfer due to the expiration of his contract with PSG, the financial aspects of both transfers are significant. Ronaldo's move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in 2009 set a new world record transfer fee, demonstrating the financial power and ambition of Real Madrid as a club.
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Global Media Attention
Both transfers attracted immense media attention and speculation from fans, pundits, and the footballing world at large. The anticipation and excitement surrounding Ronaldo's move to Real Madrid in 2009 were mirrored in Mbappe's transfer to the club in 2024.
Starting Real Madrid chapter with number 9 jersey
In 2009 Ronaldo was handed the number 9 jersey although he had already made the number 7 jersey his trademark for six years in United. This was because the number 7 was occupied by them club legend Raul Gonzalez.
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Similarly, Mbappe is likely to take the number 9 after Benzema’s departure saw no one take number 9 for the whole season. He is likely to take number 10 afterwards when Modric’s one year contract ends with Vinicius Junior very unlikely to let go of the number 7.
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