Mbappé's Bittersweet Congratulations: The Message Resonating After PSG's Historic Champions League Win

The French capital is in full celebration mode. Paris Saint-Germain has finally conquered the long-awaited UEFA Champions League, defeating Inter Milan in a dominant 5-0 final that will go down in history. Yet, amidst the overflowing euphoria and collective ecstasy, one of the most anticipated voices, and perhaps the most paradoxical, was quick to be heard: that of Kylian Mbappé. The French forward, recently transferred to Real Madrid in pursuit of his own "Orejona," sent a message that echoed with congratulations, yet simultaneously carried an undeniable irony.

• 

  Recommended

  A shadow of chaos: Two dead, hundreds Injured Mar PSG's Champions League celebrations in France

No sooner had the historic feat in Munich been accomplished, Mbappé took to his Instagram story to share a post that captured the attention of millions. Over an official video of the Parisian club celebrating the title, the star wrote: "The big day has finally arrived. Victory and with the attitude of a whole club. Congratulations, PSG!" These concise, polite words were, however, loaded with an underlying subtext that went unnoticed by no one in the football world.

The primary paradox lies in the timing. For seven seasons, Kylian Mbappé was the leading figure and standard-bearer of the ambitious Parisian project. With over 250 goals, he became the club's all-time top scorer, but the ultimate goal, the Champions League, always eluded him. He left the Parc des Princes precisely to seek that trophy with Real Madrid, and barely a year after his departure, PSG achieves it without him, and in the most dominant way possible. The long-awaited Champions League arrives in the "post-Mbappé era," a narrative that undoubtedly fuels the debate about whether the team has found a new collective identity, freed from dependence on a single superstar.

Public and media reactions have been varied. For many, Mbappé's message was a gesture of sportsmanship and respect towards his former teammates and the club that gave him so much. However, for a segment of PSG fans, especially those who felt his departure was a betrayal, the congratulation was perceived as bittersweet or even ironic. Social media was flooded with memes and sharp comments, mocking the "curse" that seemed to follow Mbappé at PSG, and highlighting that success came once the path opened for the collective.

• 

  Recommended

  Paris in Party Mode: Eiffel Tower Illuminates in Blue and Red After PSG's Historic Champions League Win

From PSG's perspective, the 5-0 victory over Inter is a vindication of Luis Enrique's project. He has managed to mold a more balanced team, less reliant on individual brilliance, where figures like Dembélé, Vitinha, and young talents like Doué and Mayulu have shone brightly. Mbappé's message, in this context, closes one chapter and opens another.

Now, with PSG celebrating its greatest glory, the pressure shifts to Mbappé. While he has arrived at his "dream club," Real Madrid, his own quest for the Champions League continues. His message, though brief, has left a profound mark on the history of this Champions League, intertwining his personal ambition with the collective consecration of his former team in a narrative worthy of football's grandest epics.