Real Madrid have just set the debut date for new signing Kylian Mbappe as well as the shirt number the French striker will wear at the club.

Real Madrid’s official homepage announced that Mbappe’s debut ceremony will take place at home stadium Santiago Bernabeu at noon on July 16 local time, or around 5:00 p.m. (Vietnam time).

The Spanish Royal team also said that the French striker will take over the number 9 shirt left by his compatriot Karim Benzema. Mbappe had his eyes on the number 10 shirt but with Luka Modric continuing to stay at Real Madrid, the 25-year-old player has not been able to wear it.

Mbappe will wear the number 9 shirt at Real Madrid

Real Madrid fans are expected to pack the 81,000-seat Santiago Bernabeu stadium to welcome Mbappe, in what will be the biggest unveiling of a new signing for the club since Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in 2009.

Real Madrid have detailed plans for Mbappe’s arrival. A walkway will be installed from the exit of the dressing room to a stage set up at the north end of the Santiago Bernabeu. Mbappe’s catwalk will be supported by fire-breathing effects on either side, while speakers and sound systems will provide the soundtrack for his unveiling.

The big screen in the stadium will show images of Mbappe’s career, especially the 2018 World Cup championship in Russia 6 years ago.

Real Madrid have yet to confirm whether Mbappe will join their summer tour of the United States, which begins with a game against AC Milan on August 1, before facing Barcelona on August 4 and Chelsea on August 7.

The reigning Champions League champions will then face Atalanta in the European Super Cup on August 15, before beginning their La Liga title defence with a trip to Mallorca on August 19.

Real Madrid confirmed the successful signing of Mbappe on a free transfer on June 3, ending one of the longest transfer deals in football history. The French striker will play for the “White Vultures” on a 5-year contract.

Mbappe’s France team was just eliminated by Spain in the semi-finals of EURO 2024. At the tournament in Germany, the 25-year-old player broke his nose in the first match of the French team and only scored 1 goal after 5 appearances.