Real Madrid’s summer arrival gave up €250 million to wear the white shirt – report | OneFootball

Kylian Mbappe’s summer move to Real Madrid last year came at a significant financial cost, as the French superstar reportedly forfeited a staggering €250 million by refusing to extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

According to L’Équipe (h/t AS), the forward had the option to renew his deal for one more year, which would have made him one of the highest-earning athletes in the world for the 2024/25 season.

Had he triggered the unilateral extension clause in his contract, Mbappe would have earned €70 million in salary for the season—20% more than his earnings from the previous campaign.

Additionally, he would have received an astonishing €180 million in bonuses and payments related to image rights. However, the Frenchman ultimately chose sporting ambition over financial gain, opting to join Real Madrid instead.

How much is he earning at Real Madrid?

At Real Madrid, Mbappe is still the highest-paid player at the club, earning €32 million gross per season.

Mbappe gave up a lot of money to play for Real Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Although the reigning Champions League winners agreed to a €100 million signing bonus for the 26-year-old, his total earnings over five years still fall short of what he could have pocketed by staying in Paris for just one more year.

One of the key factors in Madrid securing his signature was the club’s willingness to make a rare exception regarding image rights.

Unlike other players, who typically share 50% of their image rights revenue with the club, Mbappe managed to negotiate an 80-20 split in his favour.

This crucial detail played a major role in finalising the deal, with his mother and agent, Fayza Lamari, insisting on this condition.

While financially, the decision may have cost Mbappe hundreds of millions, he now finds himself where he has always wanted to be—at the biggest club in the world, chasing footballing glory rather than just financial rewards.