Why are Real Madrid not selling Kylian Mbappe shirts?

Robin Bairner

Updated: 5 Jun 2024 11:50 BST
4 min read

Real Madrid have announced the arrival of Kylian Mbappe on a five-year deal, but curiously there are no shirts available in the club store that have the France superstar’s name and number on them.

Article continues under the video

Mbappe will wear the No.9 jersey at the Bernabeu, but it’s still not possible to buy official merchandise with his name on it, despite the launch of the new kit on Wednesday.

But there is reasoning behind Real Madrid’s stance. This is not some massive marketing fail from the world’s biggest club.

Current ETV

Kylian Mbappé

F (CL), AM (L)

PSG

Kylian Mbappé

F (CL), AM (L)

PSG

ETV Range

€78.1M - €130.1M

Why can’t I buy an Mbappe 9 Real Madrid jersey?

Real Madrid are not yet allowed to advertise or produce Kylian Mbappe kits because of a legal reason.

Relevo explains: “Until 30 June, the France star continues to belong to PSG, with whom he has a contract.

“They also control image rights.

“This explains why, for example, with the announcement of the signing there has been no photo or montage of Mbappe in the Real Madrid strip.

“A failure to comply could get both the player and Los Blancos into trouble.”

© IMAGO - Mbappe's fall out with PSG is delaying matters

From 1 July, it will be possible to buy a Kylian Mbappe kit in Real Madrid stores.

This was confirmed by the club in a subsequent statement to AFP made by Real Madrid: "Kylian Mbappé shirts will go on sale on July 1st. It is not legal for us to sell his shirts now as he is under contract with another club."

It could also be made possible earlier by PSG, yet the club’s relationship with Mbappe appears to be firmly on the rocks, with the forward firing jibes in the direction of the Qatari-owned side’s board. Les Parisiens have responded through a series of anonymous sources criticising Mbappe for “lacking class”.

With animosity also between PSG and Los Blancos - the two presidents do not see eye-to-eye - there appears to be little prospect of this situation changing.

Of their new kit, Real Madrid state: “This time, it's a minimalist design where the white colour incorporates a custom houndstooth pattern with the initials RM. The kit's detailing is in black, such as the sponsor, the adidas logo, the shoulder stripes and the V-neckline.”