Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence during Kylian Mbappe’s unveiling as an official player of Real Madrid has raised questions from fans at the Bernabeu.
Kylian Mbappe unveiled
The 80,000-capacity stadium was filled to the brim with several prominent names in the Real Madrid community, including Zinedine Zidane and José Martínez “Pirri,” in attendance, except Ronaldo.
After seven seasons at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbappe finally fulfilled his long-time dream of signing for the Spanish giants, having been a fan of the club.
Ronaldo – Mbappe relationship
Another open secret is Kylian Mbappe’s adoration for Cristiano Ronaldo. The 25-year-old has always stated that the former Real Madrid attacker is his idol, having inspired him into becoming the player he is today—a fact many, including Ronaldo, are aware of.
Sports Buddy previously reported that Cristiano Ronaldo sent a congratulatory message to Mbappe after the French international was officially announced as a player for Los Blancos. ”My turn to watch,” he wrote, ”Excited to see you light up the Bernabeu. #HalaMadrid,” the Portuguese captain wrote.
Given Ronaldo’s ties with Madrid and his mentor-mentee relationship with Mbappe, fans anticipated the Al Nassr star’s presence at the ceremony; however, he was not in attendance.
According to journalist Alberto Pereiro of Onda Cero, Ronaldo received an invitation from his former club to attend the event.
“Real Madrid invited Cristiano Ronaldo to Mbappé’s presentation and he did not want to come,” Perro said, according to Radio Estadio Noche on X.
Conflicting reports on reasons for Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence
Reports claim Ronaldo refused to honor the invitation as other engagements would keep him from attending the ceremony.
Fans, on the other hand, believe the 39-year-old did not attend the event because of his ties with Nike. Both Ronaldo and Mbappe are sponsored by Nike, but Real Madrid is mostly sponsored by Nike’s archrival adidas.
