Real Madrid have announced the signing of France captain Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer after the forward left Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Mbappe, 25, who is PSG’s record goalscorer with 256 goals in 308 appearances, has signed a five-year contract with Real worth €15 million (£12.8 million) a year after tax.

He will receive a signing-on bonus of just over £85 million from Real, who will pay the fee in instalments over the duration of his contract.

The 2018 World Cup winner joins just two days after Carlo Ancelotti’s side won their 15th Champions League title to clinch the double, having also been crowned LaLiga champions.

A statement from the European champions announcing Mbappe’s signing said: “Kylian Mbappe (Paris, France; 12/20/1998) has joined Real Madrid. An international star has signed for the European champions, who, at the age of 25, has just enjoyed his highest scoring season with Paris Saint-Germain (44 goals) and has finished as top scorer of the French league for the sixth consecutive season (27 goals).

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“The Whites have strengthened their squad with a top striker, captain of the French national team, with whom he won the World Cup in 2018 and the Nations League in 2021, for which he scored the winning goal.

“At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Kylian Mbappe claimed the Golden Boot with 8 goals and, after his hat-trick in the final, became the all-time top scorer in World Cup finals (4).”

Mbappe also posted on social media with pictures of himself as a kid wearing a Real Madrid kit to express his joy at the move.

The former Monaco forward noted: “A dream come true. So happy and proud to join the club of my dream, Real Madrid.

“Nobody can understand how excited I am right now.

“Can’t wait to see you, Madridistas, and thanks for your unbelievable support. Hala Madrid! 🤍🤍🤍”

The Spanish giants have been long-term admirers of Mbappe and tried to sign him in 2022, but the forward committed to a new two-year deal at the Parc des Princes.

Mbappe refused to activate a one-year extension in his PSG contract which allowed him to move for nothing this summer, just six years after costing the French club £166 million from Monaco.

Mbappe’s departure, which he announced last month, has freed up at least €220 million (£187.5 million) of gross cost to PSG.

 The Star