Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has disclosed that he nearly transferred to Liverpool in 2016 while playing for Monaco, despite going against his mother’s strong preference for the Merseyside club.
Speaking to the Athletic, the France captain explained that his mother fell in love with Anfield after visiting the stadium, meeting club figures, and experiencing the atmosphere.
Mbappe recalled that his mother frequently urged him to move to Liverpool, describing it as a wonderful family club where playing would be an incredible experience.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed the ambitious pursuit during the 2026 World Cup, revealing that the club arranged a discreet private jet meeting with the entire family in France to pitch the transfer.
Klopp detailed how they flew in circles while discussing the project and sharing a meal, though the secret talks ultimately did not secure the signing.
Mbappe ultimately rejected the move because he was determined to remain in his home city and establish himself as a star in Paris first.
The forward subsequently moved to Paris St-Germain on an initial loan before completing a permanent transfer deal worth 180 million euros.
After spending seven prolific seasons in the French capital and becoming the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, Mbappe finally departed for Real Madrid in 2024. The report also notes that saying he went against the advice of his mother who “fell in love” with Anfield, kylian Mbappe has revealed how “close” he came to joining Liverpool in 2016. The report also notes that while he was playing for Monaco in Ligue 1, the France and Real Madrid striker said the Reds tried to sign him at 18. The report also notes that the favourite destination for my mum was Liverpool. The report also notes that i didn’t listen because I wanted to play in my city, Paris. The report also notes that i didn’t want to leave my country before I was someone. The report also notes that mbappe, now 27, said his mother went out to Liverpool for the “first step” of the negotiation.
