Kylian Mbappe has been formally introduced as a Real Madrid player, yet fans must await his debut. The French captain, having sustained a broken nose at the onset of Euro 2024, missed one match and donned a protective mask for several others.
Mbappe was presented in front of 80,000 Los Blancos supporters. National team manager Didier Deschamps indicated that Mbappe might require surgery for a permanent fix. However, after further evaluations, Mbappe has opted against surgery but will miss Real Madrid’s tour of the USA. Consequently, fans must wait to see him don the iconic white jersey.
When will Mbappe make his Real Madrid debut?
Mbappe aims to debut in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta on Wednesday, August 14. Real Madrid will head to the USA for a pre-season tour, beginning with a match against AC Milan on Tuesday, July 30.
Real Madrid will then face Barcelona at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday, August 3. Their US tour concludes with a game against Chelsea on Tuesday, August 6. Though Mbappe won't feature in these matches, he has been granted additional time off following the European Championships.
When queried about playing in the pre-season tour, he responded, "We’ll see with the coach and the club. If the club agrees, I’ll go. I’m at their disposal."
Mbappe, hopeful of playing in the Super Cup, said, "I aim to play the Super Cup match, but it’s the coach’s decision. I’ll work hard to be ready for the first match."
Despite his injury, Mbappe helped France reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals, where they lost 2-1 to Spain. He has been granted some time off before returning to Madrid. The good news for Real Madrid is that he does not require surgery for his broken nose. Mbappe, in regular communication with Real Madrid’s medical staff, stated, "I’m following medical advice and will resume playing as soon as possible."
Barring any setbacks, Mbappe is expected to play in the Super Cup. Real Madrid will face the 2023-24 Europa League winners at the National Stadium Warsaw in Poland.
This debut could see Mbappe winning a trophy in his first game for Real Madrid, an ideal start. However, if not, Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign begins against Mallorca on Sunday, August 18, with his first home league game a week later against Real Valladolid.