And the message from Real Madrid was clear, the Merengue club being uncompromising on the issue. Kylian Mbappé therefore saw his dream disappear, as did the possibility of being one of the players in the opening ceremony alongside Zinedine Zidane,

Kylian Mbappe has insisted that missing a penalty against Athletic Club was “good” for his development, despite hitting “rock bottom” after the game. The France international has endured a tricky start to life at the Santiago Bernabeu and he saw his spot kick effort saved by Athletic Club goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala on 4 December,

Cristiano Ronaldo’s dominance in Madrid has given way to a new era. Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid’s marquee summer signing, has already eclipsed the Portuguese icon’s achievements in his debut season with the club.