Here are several things that stood out on a beautiful occasion, where the World Cup winner gathered friends and family together for the last time as a PSG player.
1. Venue Selection
Kylian Mbappe chose Gigi, an upscale Italian restaurant inspired by Venetian palaces, for his farewell party. The venue is strategically located near the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, offering a glamorous and scenic setting for the event.
2. Guest List
The star-studded guest list included 250 individuals comprising PSG teammates, club staff, and close friends. Notably, French President Emmanuel Macron, who has shown admiration for Mbappe, was invited but did not attend.
The first to arrive were PSG players Danilo Pereira and Nuno Mendes. Mbappe made his grand entrance at around 7.30pm, accompanied by his brother Ethan, setting the tone for an evening of heartfelt farewells and celebrations.
3. Opulent Menu
Guests were treated to a luxurious menu featuring dishes such as a €160 (£137) Cote de Boeuf for two, €78 (£67) roasted Norway lobster, and €68 (£58) Dover sole. The lavish food selection reflected the high-profile nature of the event.
4. Team Attendance
A significant portion of the PSG squad attended the event. Notable attendees included Bradley Barcola, Ousmane Dembele, Goncalo Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, and Milan Skriniar.
Lucas Hernandez, recovering from an injury, arrived on crutches, underscoring the camaraderie and support among teammates.
5. Absence of PSG President
PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was notably absent, reportedly due to a disagreement with Mbappe following the announcement of his departure. This absence highlighted potential tensions within the club hierarchy.
6. Cryptic Hint from Mbappe’s Mother
Fayza Lamari, Mbappe’s mother and agent, added an element of intrigue by hinting at her son’s next move.
When asked about Mbappe’s future club, she responded cryptically, “You already know, right?” fueling speculation of a move to Real Madrid.
7. Mbappe’s Emotional Speech
During the evening, Mbappe took the microphone to deliver a heartfelt farewell speech. He referred to the assembled guests as “family” and expressed deep gratitude for their influence on his life.
“There is no message to convey, no ambiguity to give. These are really people I want to thank from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
The night concluded with Mbappe emerging at around 12.15am, greeted by fans chanting his name. He smiled and waved before being whisked away in a black van, marking the end of a significant chapter in his career with PSG.