“No one like him in the world right now” - Former PSG star Marco Verratti makes feelings clear about Kylian Mbappe after Real Madrid transfer

Former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Marco Verratti heaped praise on Kylian Mbappe for his seamless transition to life at Real Madrid. After an illustrious seven seasons in the French capital, Mbappe made a sensational Bosman move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024.

The 26-year-old struggled in the first few months of his debut season in the Spanish capital and was subjected to criticism for his lack of impact. However, he hit a purple patch as the season progressed. And by the end of the 2024-25 campaign, he had silenced his critics, shattering goal-scoring records and establishing himself as Madrid's talisman.

Speaking to Marca, Verratti praised Mbappe's adaptation to life at Madrid, saying there was no one like him in the world right now. When asked for his take on Mbappe's debut season at Real Madrid, Verratti said:

“Kylian had to adapt but scored many goals and won the Pichichi and the Golden Boot. And this year is showing that he could do even better. There is no one like him in the world right now.”

In addition to winning the Pichichi Trophy and the Golden Boot in his maiden campaign at Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe broke the longstanding record for the most goals in a debut season for Los Blancos, scoring 44 goals across all competitions.

"The year he left, he scored nearly 50 goals" - Marco Verratti says Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe was not to blame for PSG's Champions League struggles

In the same interview, Marco Verratti dismissed the notion that Kylian Mbappe's departure enabled Paris Saint-Germain to win the UEFA Champions League (UCL). The Ligue 1 giants won their first-ever UCL last season in cruising fashion. Coincidentally, they got their hands on the elusive silverware the season Mvappe departed the club.

On PSG winning the Champions League after many years of heartbreak with Kylian Mbappe in their ranks, Verratti described the notion as 'unfair,' noting that the French forward helped the club reach the semi-finals and the final of the competition. He said:

“It's unfair to see it that way. With Kylian, we reached the semi-finals and the final, but we didn't win it. Then there's Real Madrid, who, with fantastic players, won it many times. Anyway, I don't think PSG won it because Kylian left. Mbappé has helped the club grow a lot. The year he left, he scored nearly 50 goals, for example.”

During the six years they spent together at PSG, Marco Verratti and Kylian Mbappe played together 181 times and combined for 10 goals.