- Blancos snapped up another superstar
- Seen questions asked of his contribution
- Will be given time to prove his worth
Getty/GOALWill Real Madrid ‘wash hands’ of Kylian Mbappe? Karim Benzema used in ‘Galactico’ argument as World Cup-winning French forward searches for a spark
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
Monthly from$74.99
Total Coverage
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Monthly from$11.99
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
Cable Replacement
DirecTV
✅ Carries local ABC stations and the main ESPN linear networks for marquee, nationally televised LaLiga fixtures without requiring an antenna.
✅ Offers ESPN Deportes either via the dedicated Spanish-first tiers (such as Óptimo Más) or as an add-on, giving you live TV commentary and dedicated studio coverage.
✅ Includes unlimited Cloud DVR storage and allows simultaneous streaming on unlimited compatible devices connected to your home network.
Monthly from$74.99
Total Coverage
ESPN+
✅ Streams all 380 LaLiga fixtures throughout the season in both English and Spanish, including every El Clásico fixture.
✅ Provides full match replays, extended highlights, and Spanish football studio shows (such as LaLiga Confidential and ESPN FC) accessible whenever you want.
✅ Bundles Spanish top-flight football alongside extensive European and domestic action, including the German Bundesliga, Copa del Rey, and FA Cup.
Monthly from$11.99
Ultimate Sports Bundle
Fubo
✅ Carries ESPN Deportes, which broadcasts over 200 select LaLiga matches per season with traditional linear presentation and studio coverage.
✅ Includes local ABC stations and main ESPN channels for the high-profile marquee matches that are simulcast over traditional television.
✅ Allows you to record matches with unlimited Cloud DVR storage and stream up to four channels simultaneously on compatible TV devices.
Monthly from$32.99
GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Blancos president Florentino Perez returned to his favoured recruitment strategy in the summer of 2024 when luring World Cup winner Mbappe away from Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. The France international has become another superstar addition at Santiago Bernabeu.
GettyWHAT HAS BEEN SAID
His fellow countryman Benzema took some time to get going in Madrid, as he operated in the shadow of Cristiano Ronaldo, and Real are expected to adopt a similar approach with Mbappe. Jonathan Johnson, a France-based correspondent for CBS Sports, has told the PSG Talk Extra podcast: “I’m not sure that I can see Real Madrid willingly looking to wash their hands of him quite quickly. I think if something was to happen with the legal investigation in Sweden, that could potentially change the situation.
“But in terms of speaking solely about what’s going on the pitch at this moment in time, it’s easy to forget that Karim Benzema had a couple of really lean years at the beginning of his Real Madrid career before ultimately being able to turn it around, and not just turn it around, ultimately leave the club as a legendary figure and a Ballon d’Or winner.
“I do think that’s an example that Mbappé needs to keep reminding himself of. But also, it’s not really the same sport as it was 10 years ago or when Benzema was first taking steps with Real Madrid. Things have changed massively. There’s a lot less patience in the game.”
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