In the end, Kylian Mbappe bid farewell to the Parc des Princes, reflecting on his time at Paris Saint-Germain.
His departure was marked by another goal, another trophy, and a step closer to another record — becoming the first player in French football history to win the top-flight Golden Boot in six consecutive seasons.
The club’s ultras in the Auteuil stand put together a tifo before kick-off to honor Mbappe’s legacy, featuring his trademark celebration pose with folded arms. A banner also paid tribute, acknowledging him as a PSG legend who rose from the Parisian banlieue.
However, the evening wasn’t a complete celebration of Mbappe’s seven-year tenure in Paris. While there were songs praising him, there were also some boos and whistles at the mention of his name before kick-off. The night ended with a trophy presentation but also in a defeat to Toulouse, marking PSG’s second loss of the season.
😳 Les sifflets du Parc des Princes à l’annonce du nom de Kylian Mbappé.#PSGTFC pic.twitter.com/FOhSczZEPQ
— Prime Video Sport France (@PVSportFR) May 12, 2024
Mbappe’s departure from PSG felt underwhelming given his immense impact on the club. The focus of the evening was more on the title win than on his goodbye. PSG celebrated their 12th Ligue 1 triumph, establishing a clear lead in French football with 50 major trophies in their cabinet.
Mbappe’s sudden announcement of leaving the club, made through a four-minute video on his social media channels, caught PSG off guard. There was no official statement or response from the club as they were taken by surprise.
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Despite the lack of clarity on his destination, expected to be Real Madrid, Mbappe confirmed that it was indeed his time to bid farewell to PSG.
His final send-off at the Parc des Princes was a focal point, as supporters wondered how they would receive their greatest goalscorer. The relationship between Mbappe and the club had its share of ups and downs over the years, impacting the reception he received.
Kylian Mbappe and the PSG squad celebrate their Ligue 1 title win (Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)
Throughout his time at PSG, Mbappe faced various challenges, including public disputes with the club and uncertainties about his future. Despite the tumultuous off-field situations, Mbappe’s on-field brilliance and achievements have left a lasting legacy at PSG.
The brilliance of Kylian Mbappe
PSG will remember Mbappe as one of their best talents and a club icon, despite the controversies surrounding his departure. As they transition towards a new era, fans will recall Mbappe’s greatness with a mix of fondness and lingering memories of the drama that characterized his time at the club.
(Top photo: Franck Fife/AFP via Getty Images)