Mbappé returns to the Parc des Princes: A reunion charged with emotions
The fates have decided that Kylian Mbappé will face his former team, Paris Saint-Germain, in the Club World Cup semi-finals. This Wednesday, the MetLife Stadium will witness a special, tense, and nostalgic match, a year after his controversial departure from PSG to join Real Madrid.
Mbappé’s connection with PSG is undeniable. Seven years at the Parisian club forged an intense relationship, full of memorable moments. His father, Wilfrid, was present at PSG’s recent triumph against Bayern Munich.
Mbappé’s departure to Real Madrid, to fulfill his dream of playing at the Bernabéu, was understandable. However, the reunion takes on a special dimension when considering the transformation of PSG in his absence. The Parisian team has established itself as one of the best in the world in 2025, prioritizing teamwork and cohesion in all its lines.
Tension will be present due to the legal dispute between Mbappé and PSG over the payment of outstanding salaries and bonuses. The captain of the French national team claims 55 million euros, while the club argues a verbal agreement to waive that sum. With lawyers involved, the resolution of this conflict will take time.
On Wednesday, Mbappé and PSG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi will meet for the first time in a year. Although cordiality will be present, the relationship between the two is not without tension. Al-Khelaïfi still regrets the way Mbappé left the club, although he wished him the best last month.
Nostalgia will also play an important role. Mbappé is a PSG legend, with 256 goals in 308 matches. His impact on the team was extraordinary, with an average of more than one goal involvement per game. Although he won multiple national titles, the Champions League was a thorn in his side. PSG, paradoxically, strengthened after his departure, winning the Champions League in the 2024-25 season.In the absence of Mbappé, other players have taken on leading roles, with Ousmane Dembélé standing out. PSG’s number 10, with an outstanding performance, is a candidate for the Ballon d’Or. Dembélé has been decisive in key Champions League and Club World Cup matches.
The PSG coach, Luis Enrique, has made Dembélé the cornerstone of his system, getting the player to perform at his highest level. Enrique has praised Dembélé’s ability to lead the team, both in attack and defense.
The coach tried, unsuccessfully, to convince Mbappé to take on a similar role, emphasizing the importance of leadership and effort on the field.Under the direction of Luis Enrique, PSG has experienced remarkable collective growth. The midfield, with Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz, has shown great cohesion. The full-back pairing of Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes has established itself as one of the best in the world. Désiré Doué has evolved from a team player to a promising talent in world football.
The concept of “relationalism”, adapted by Luis Enrique to positional play, has given fluidity and dynamism to PSG. The team is seeking its fourth final of the season.
This will be Mbappé’s fifth match against PSG. In the previous four, playing for Monaco, his record was one win, one draw and two losses, without goals.
