• World Cup winner heading towards free agency
• Expected to make his way to the Bernabeu
• Following in the illustrious footsteps of CR7

WHAT HAPPENED?

For now, World Cup winner Mbappe remains on the books of Paris Saint-Germain and has helped them into the semi-finals of the 2023-24 Champions League. He is, however, running his contract down towards free agency and is expected to head for Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

WHAT CASEMIRO SAID

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro knows all about the pressure of playing for Real Madrid, but has told El Chiringuito of why Mbappe is ready for the challenge of following in illustrious footsteps: “Mbappe reminds me of Cristiano. He's on the field, he's smelling a goal. You have to be worried with this guy because he will score a goal. Cristiano was like that.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mbappe, who spent two years working with Lionel Messi at PSG between 2021 and 2023, is said to be a big fan of CR7. Former team-mate Abdou Diallo said in 2022: “Cristiano Ronaldo is literally everything to Kylian Mbappe. If you mention Lionel Messi against Cristiano, Mbappe will debate with you for at least an hour. For him, Cristiano is untouchable.”

WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

France international Mbappe has become PSG’s all-time leading goalscorer, with 41 efforts added to his tally this season – leaving him two short of posting a personal best in a single campaign. A lucrative contract is reportedly ready for him to sign in the Spanish capital.