“I’m glad I’m leaving here.” Mbappé made a shocking statement following PSG’s defeat to Chelsea in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. It immediately sparked a debate on social media among French players.

French football star Kylian Mbappé, who wears the white shirt of Real Madrid, shocked the football world with his provocative remarks following Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. In the match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, reigning UEFA Champions League holders PSG were destroyed by the tactical brilliance of Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca and an inspiring performance from Cole Palmer. Mbappé’s post-match interview, in which he declared, “I’m lucky to be leaving,” sparked a heated debate, particularly among French players, and resonated on social media with reactions ranging from support to anger.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final was billed as a clash of giants, pitting PSG’s star-studded squad against a resurgent Chelsea side. PSG came into the match as favorites, following a string of dominant performances throughout the tournament, including a 4-0 semifinal victory over Real Madrid. Their attack, led by the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Gonçalo Ramos, was unstoppable, scoring 16 goals and conceding just one en route to the final. However, Chelsea failed to live up to expectations. Despite having a less challenging run in the tournament, the Blues displayed mastery in defensive organization and finishing. Palmer exploited gaps in PSG’s defense with devastating force. By halftime, PSG were trailing 3-0, their hopes of a historic Club World Cup title dashed.

Mbappé’s seven-year career at PSG saw him become the club’s all-time leading scorer with 256 goals, culminating in his free transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024. The transfer process was fraught with tension, including legal disputes over unpaid wages and allegations of unethical conduct. PSG countersued Mbappé for damaging their image. His return to face PSG in the semifinals was a much-anticipated moment, but it turned into a nightmare for the 26-year-old. Real Madrid suffered an embarrassing 4-0 defeat, and Mbappé’s performance was described as mediocre; he touched the ball just 27 times and had just one shot on target. A viral Sports Illustrated video showed him pacing the pitch, visibly distraught, with his head in his hands as PSG fans celebrated their victory.

However, the French forward’s statements after the final took the debate to a new level. Although Mbappé did not play in the final, his words were interpreted as a reference to his former club, suggesting that his departure was a stroke of luck given PSG’s failure to win the Club World Cup. His statement, made in a short interview with a French publication, was quickly shared on platforms such as X, sparking polarized reactions. Some interpreted it as a justified expression of relief after PSG’s failure to win the Club World Cup, while others saw it as a betrayal of the club that catapulted him to global stardom. Coming just days after PSG’s emphatic semifinal victory over Real Madrid, the statement further fueled criticism, arguing that it was reckless given PSG’s remarkable season, which included a historic Champions League win. French players, both current and former PSG stars, were quick to voice their opinions. Ousmane Dembélé, who scored in the semi-final against Real Madrid, defended PSG’s achievements on social media, writing: “We are building something special here. No one can take this away from us.” Meanwhile, Adrien Rabiot, who currently plays abroad, appeared to side with Mbappé, tweeting: “Sometimes you need a new challenge to grow.” The online debate intensified as fans and commentators joined in, some accusing Mbappé of disloyalty, while others praised his ambition to seek new horizons. The debate highlighted the deep emotional attachment French players and fans have to PSG, a symbol of national pride, and the profound bitterness surrounding Mbappé’s departure.

PSG’s defeat to Chelsea was not without controversy, beyond Mbappé’s comments. FIFA was criticized for extending halftime to 24 minutes to allow Robbie Williams to deliver a Super Bowl-worthy performance, violating the IFAB’s 15-minute rule. This action was criticized by journalists and fans for disrupting the flow of the match and prioritizing commercial interests over sporting integrity. Despite the defeat, PSG’s season remains a resounding success, with nearly $100 million in prize money and a collection of domestic and European trophies. But for Mbappé, the Club World Cup was a stark reminder of his struggles at Real Madrid, where he has yet to win a major trophy. As the football world digests this latest episode, Mbappé’s comments ensure that his complex relationship with PSG remains a topic of discussion.