Real appeal! Why Jude Bellingham, Endrick & Kylian Mbappe moved to Madrid instead of earning ‘more money elsewhere’

Real Madrid have substantially reduced their transfer budget in recent years in comparison to their Galacticos era, but have still managed to secure some of the world’s best talents. From English sensation Bellingham to Brazilian prodigy Endrick, Real are still the biggest draw in the game, even when other clubs offer more lucrative financial packages.

Madrid’s acquisition of Jude Bellingham in 2023 for £88.5 million ($116.4m) is already being hailed as a masterstroke. Mbappe, meanwhile, was a free transfer after his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in June, albeit Real still reportedly paid a hefty £120 million signing bonus. Similarly, the signings of Brazilian stars Endrick, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr have further underscored Real Madrid’s ability to secure future stars at reasonable prices compared to the exorbitant figures seen elsewhere.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes the allure of wearing the famous white jersey, combined with the club’s rich history and unparalleled ambitions, has allowed Real Madrid to land the stars at the Santiago Bernabeu.

In an interview with FourFourTwo, he said: "Prestige. We’ve seen again and again that when it comes to prestige, Real Madrid are ahead of everybody else. Mbappe, Endrick, Bellingham and other stars could have gone anywhere and could have earned more money elsewhere. However, the white shirt, the history, and the ambition of Real Madrid are things no other club can compete with. They’re still the biggest draw.”

Despite being named the world’s richest football club by Forbes in July 2024 - with an impressive revenue of £713 million for the 2023-24 season - Real Madrid’s finances are not as fluid as one might think. The club has had to balance significant debts, comply with UEFA’s strict profitability regulations, and finance the extensive £1.5 billion renovation of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, which was completed in September 2023. Moreover, they are competing against billionaire owners or state-funded projects which have further made their operations difficult.

“In terms of on-field success, marketing and merchandise, they’re ahead of rivals,” Balague says. “But they’re competing with clubs backed by billionaires and entire states: the likes of Manchester City, PSG, even Newcastle. They’re unable to offer the type of fees others can. The European Super League is seen as a way to redress that balance.”

Real Madrid remain in a league of their own when it comes to prestige and legacy, which is why contemporary superstars are drawn to the Spanish giants to become part of a legendary institution that has shaped the history of club football. Los Blancos will begin their latest Champions League defence on Tuesday against Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu, which will mark the debut of Mbappe in a white jersey in Europe's elite competition.