As far as debut matches go, things couldn't have gone much better for Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid.
The France star made his long-awaited first appearance for Los Blancos in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta on August 14. He scored his side's second goal in a 2-0 victory in Warsaw, with Federico Valverde having given Madrid the lead from Vinicius Junior's brilliant assist.
One goal and one trophy in his first 83 minutes — not to mention the standing ovation when he was substituted late on — is not a bad haul from your first game for a new club. But Mbappe's impact went beyond the clever finish from Jude Bellingham's layoff, or the fact he helped Madrid win the cup for a record sixth time.
Below are three key takeaways from Mbappe's dream Madrid debut, which point to far greater things to come.
STREAM:Real Madrid matches in the US for the 2024/25 season on ESPN+
Three key takeaways from Kylian Mbappe's Real Madrid debut
1. Following in Cristiano's footsteps
Mbappe has made no secret of Cristiano Ronaldo being an idol of his growing up, and to sign for Real Madrid and take the No. 9 jersey — just as the Portugal great did 15 years ago — was truly a dream come true.
Indeed, there was an eery similarity to the way Mbappe and Ronaldo were presented to a packed-out Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The former Monaco sensation even copied Cristiano's "hala Madrid" to the crowd in homage to his hero.
He went one better with his tribute act on Wednesday. Mbappe, just like Ronaldo, marked his competitive debut for the club with a goal and a victory, Ronaldo having struck a penalty in a 3-2 La Liga win over Deportivo La Coruna on August 29, 2009. The excitement in the stands whenever the player got on the ball was also reminiscent of Ronaldo's first game following his then-world-record transfer from Manchester United.
Fans will hope he can emulate their record goal-scorer's success over the coming years.
MORE: Carlo Ancelotti sets out new Real Madrid role for Jude Bellingham
2. Bellingham praise shows critics of work rate are wrong
With Mbappe as the spearhead of the attack, Bellingham was dropped into a deeper No. 10 role. If the England star was bothered by changing from the false-nine position he had last season, he certainly didn't show it. In fact, this was one of his finest performances in the white jersey — and that's saying something.
But as brilliantly as Bellingham played, it was his post-game remarks about Mbappe that really seemed to strike a chord. Speaking to TNT Sports in the UK, Bellingham agreed that it was "written in the stars" for Mbappe to enjoy a goal-scoring debut like this — except it wasn't the finish that most impressed him.
"He works like a dog for the team, just like the rest of the lads," Bellingham said, and he was right: Mbappe only had two shots and a meagre seven touches in the Atalanta box, yet he contested eight duels (winning five), made two recoveries of possession, and earned three free-kicks. He also readily switched position with Vinicius and Rodrygo and ran tirelessly to unsettle the Atalanta defence.
For a player often singled out for his apparently low work rate, it was some antidote to the critics.
3. Vinicius celebration reveals what teammates really think
Vinicius has, in the past year, established himself as a genuine Real Madrid star. Even after a season alongside Bellingham, and the disappointment of Brazil's Copa America campaign, the winger remains the favorite among many to win this year's Ballon d'Or.
In that context, you would forgive him for feeling a little undermined by Madrid signing Mbappe — a forward who thrives in the same outside-left role as Vinicius himself. Well, based on the Super Cup, that's certainly not the case.
Vinicius and Mbappe dovetailed superbly throughout and each seemed happy to rotate positions. The Brazilian was also clearly determined to give his new team-mate a dream first appearance, although it was ironically a poor cut-back from him that eventually led to Mbappe's goal.
When the ball hit the net and Mbappe wheeled away in his typical arms-out celebration, you could see Vinicius behind him, copying the gesture, his face split in a wide smile. He even had a go at Mbappe's arms-folded move, which seemed to go down well.
CLASE 🤝 CLASE pic.twitter.com/3Mcs0jn4i8
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 14, 2024
Mbappe, it seems, has already had a positive impact on the dressing room. You get the sense this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
