Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Mbappé Explains Choosing PSG Over Liverpool After Monaco
When Kylian Mbappé was 18, he had to choose a new football club after playing for Monaco.
Liverpool was one of the clubs interested in signing him.
His mother visited Liverpool’s stadium, Anfield, and really liked the club and its manager, Jürgen Klopp.
Mbappé also spoke with Klopp about Liverpool’s plans for him.
However, Mbappé wanted to stay in Paris, where he was born and raised.
He believed playing for Paris Saint-Germain would let him become a star in his hometown.
He joined PSG instead of Liverpool in 2017.
He later left PSG and joined Real Madrid in 2024.
Mbappé said the biggest clubs he considered could all have been good choices.
Kylian Mbappé said he was close to joining Liverpool while playing for Monaco in 2017.
His mother, Fayza Lamari, favored Liverpool, visited Anfield, and fell in love with its atmosphere.
Mbappé held talks with Jürgen Klopp on a plane about Liverpool’s plans for him.
He chose Paris Saint-Germain because he wanted to remain in his hometown and prove himself in Paris.
Mbappé joined PSG on loan with an option for a €180 million permanent transfer before moving to Real Madrid in 2024.
- Who
- Kylian Mbappé, his mother Fayza Lamari, Liverpool, and manager Jürgen Klopp.
- What
- Mbappé described rejecting a possible move to Liverpool and choosing Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
- When
- The decision occurred in 2017; Mbappé first discussed the Liverpool talks publicly in 2022 and joined Real Madrid in 2024.
- Where
- The discussions involved Liverpool and Anfield, while Mbappé ultimately joined Paris Saint-Germain in Paris.
- Why
- He wanted to remain in his hometown and show that he could become a star in Paris.
Choosing Paris
Choosing Liverpool
Best environment for Mbappé
Choosing Paris
Mbappé believed Paris Saint-Germain offered the best personal fit because he was born and raised in Paris and wanted to become a star there.
Choosing Liverpool
His mother believed Liverpool was the better destination after visiting Anfield, meeting club personnel, and developing admiration for Jürgen Klopp.
Liverpool’s appeal
Choosing Paris
Mbappé respected Klopp and Liverpool but said he had other projects to consider, including PSG and Real Madrid.
Choosing Liverpool
Liverpool presented itself as a major club with a strong atmosphere, a family-oriented culture, and Klopp’s leadership.
- Player
- Kylian Mbappé
- Decision year
- 2017
- Age at the time
- 18
- Liverpool interest
- Mbappé said he was close to joining Liverpool while playing for Monaco.
- Family preference
- Fayza Lamari preferred Liverpool, visited Anfield, and praised the club.
- Klopp discussions
- Mbappé said Jürgen Klopp explained Liverpool’s project during a conversation on a plane.
- PSG transfer
- Mbappé joined Paris Saint-Germain on loan with an option for a permanent €180 million move.
- Later transfer
- Mbappé left Paris Saint-Germain for Real Madrid in 2024.
