Who missed out on Kylian Mbappe? Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ names clubs that ‘approached’ him prior to becoming a global superstar

Mbappe was one of Europe’s most sought-after teenagers during his rise at AS Monaco, where he played a key role in the club’s Ligue 1 triumph and Champions League semi-final run in 2017. He eventually moved to Paris Saint-Germain, initially on loan, before completing a €180 million transfer in 2018. However, before that historic deal, Bundesliga clubs had already tried to tempt him away from France, as revealed from the horse's mouth.

Speaking to BILD, Mbappe revealed: “Many clubs approached me. Bayern came to me when I was a bit younger and could leave Monaco. [Borussia] Dortmund also inquired. And RB Leipzig. Those are just the three clubs I remember. Maybe there were others, but I don’t remember.

Mbappe joked: “Now everyone is asking [to sign him], but it’s a little too late."

Mbappe’s revelation highlights how close Europe’s elite clubs were to securing one of the world’s biggest superstars before PSG swooped in with a record-breaking transfer. His eventual seven-year stay in Paris saw him dominate Ligue 1, win multiple domestic titles, and reach a Champions League final. Now at Real Madrid, Mbappe has fulfilled a long-awaited dream move while continuing to underline his status as one of football’s true global icons.

The France captain will be looking to cement his legacy at Real Madrid by adding Champions League and La Liga titles to his collection. Bayern, Dortmund and Leipzig may wonder what could have been, but their focus now turns to building squads capable of competing with the very best.