• Real Madrid celebrate after beating Liverpool to win the Champions League final at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, May 29, 2022. Reuters
    Real Madrid celebrate after beating Liverpool to win the Champions League final at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, May 29, 2022. Reuters
  • Real Madrid celebrate after beating Liverpool to win the Champions League final. Getty
    Real Madrid celebrate after beating Liverpool to win the Champions League final. Getty
  • Luka Modric kisses the trophy. Getty
    Luka Modric kisses the trophy. Getty
  • Marcelo lifts the trophy for Real Madrid. Getty
    Marcelo lifts the trophy for Real Madrid. Getty
  • Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring the only goal of the Champions League final against Liverpool. AP
    Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring the only goal of the Champions League final against Liverpool. AP
  • Real Madrid players celebrate after their victory in Paris. Getty
    Real Madrid players celebrate after their victory in Paris. Getty
  • Dejected Liverpool player Fabinho after the match. AP
    Dejected Liverpool player Fabinho after the match. AP
  • Real manager Carlo Ancelotti celebrates after the match. Getty
    Real manager Carlo Ancelotti celebrates after the match. Getty
  • Dejected Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the match. Getty
    Dejected Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the match. Getty
  • Real Madrid players celebrate after the match. Getty
    Real Madrid players celebrate after the match. Getty
  • Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois celebrates winning the Champions League. Reuters
    Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois celebrates winning the Champions League. Reuters
  • Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saves from Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah in the second half. Getty
    Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saves from Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah in the second half. Getty
  • Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scores the opening goal. PA
    Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior scores the opening goal. PA
  • Karim Benzema scores for Real Madrid late in the first half but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside. PA
    Karim Benzema scores for Real Madrid late in the first half but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside. PA
  • Liverpool's Mohamed Salah fires a shot past Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric. AFP
    Liverpool's Mohamed Salah fires a shot past Real Madrid's Croatian midfielder Luka Modric. AFP
  • Liverpool midfielder Fabinho is shown a yellow card. AP
    Liverpool midfielder Fabinho is shown a yellow card. AP
  • A first-half shot from Liverpool's Sadio Mane beats Real keeper Thibaut Courtois but hits the post. Getty
    A first-half shot from Liverpool's Sadio Mane beats Real keeper Thibaut Courtois but hits the post. Getty
  • Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates with teammates after scoring. PA
    Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates with teammates after scoring. PA
  • Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane sees his shot hit the post. Getty
    Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane sees his shot hit the post. Getty
  • Vinicius Junior scores for Real Madrid. EPA
    Vinicius Junior scores for Real Madrid. EPA
  • Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois catches a cross. AP
    Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois catches a cross. AP
  • Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid. Getty
    Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring for Real Madrid. Getty
  • Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on the sidelines. EPA
    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on the sidelines. EPA
  • Liverpool's Luis Diaz shoots at goal. Getty
    Liverpool's Luis Diaz shoots at goal. Getty
  • Real attacker Karim Benzema scores but the goal was disallowed. Getty
    Real attacker Karim Benzema scores but the goal was disallowed. Getty
  • Liverpool's Mohamed Salah sees a shot saved in the first half by Real goakeeper Thibaut Courtois. Getty
    Liverpool's Mohamed Salah sees a shot saved in the first half by Real goakeeper Thibaut Courtois. Getty
  • Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois makes a save from Mohamed Salah. Reuters
    Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois makes a save from Mohamed Salah. Reuters
  • Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold goes to cross the ball. Getty
    Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold goes to cross the ball. Getty
  • Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. AFP
    Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. AFP
  • Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois screams at his defence after Liverpool hit the post in the first half. PA
    Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois screams at his defence after Liverpool hit the post in the first half. PA
  • Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois under pressure from Liverpool's Jordan Henderson. EPA
    Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois under pressure from Liverpool's Jordan Henderson. EPA
  • Liverpool's Sadio Mane reacts to a challenge from Real midfielder Casemiro. EPA
    Liverpool's Sadio Mane reacts to a challenge from Real midfielder Casemiro. EPA

Mbappe 'already forgotten' as Real Madrid president Perez savours Champions League title


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Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has said Kylian Mbappe "is already forgotten" as the Spanish giants celebrated winning the Champions League on Saturday, days after the French striker reneged on a deal to join the club at the end of the season.

Mbappe, 23, was widely expected to move to Real but instead signed a contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain until 2025 in a dramatic U-turn, a decision that irked many Real players and fans.

"Real Madrid will always continue to work on having the best players, but today Mbappe is already forgotten," Perez said after a Vinicius Junior's tap-in gave them a 1-0 win over Liverpool at the Stade de France.

"Nothing has happened, Real Madrid have had a perfect season and that is a forgotten issue, there is only a Real Madrid party."

Mbappe's decision to stay at the French champions has triggered a war of words between the parties involved after La Liga president Javier Tebas said they would file a complaint against PSG to Uefa because the deal "attacked the economic stability" of the European game.

Ligue 1 president Vincent Labrune hit back at Tebas on Thursday, saying his denigration of the French league and its players was "unacceptable".

Real eliminated PSG in the Round of 16 en route to winning the Champions League title, fighting back from a 1-0 first leg deficit and from going a goal down in the second leg - scored, incidentally, by Mbappe - to win 3-1 at the Bernabeu.

Champions League final player ratings

  • LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 6. The Brazilian had little to do but got into a muddle for the disallowed goal. Some of his expeditions out of his area verged on erratic. AFP
    LIVERPOOL RATINGS: Alisson Becker - 6. The Brazilian had little to do but got into a muddle for the disallowed goal. Some of his expeditions out of his area verged on erratic. AFP
  • Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6. The 23-year-old had a few good moments but was not as influential as usual. If he had checked over his shoulder, it might have been possible to stop the winning goal. Getty
    Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6. The 23-year-old had a few good moments but was not as influential as usual. If he had checked over his shoulder, it might have been possible to stop the winning goal. Getty
  • Ibrahima Konate - 8. This was the Frenchman’s best performance in a red shirt. He was strong in the tackle and quick to snuff out danger. His one questionable moment was before the disallowed goal and he was saved by VAR. AP
    Ibrahima Konate - 8. This was the Frenchman’s best performance in a red shirt. He was strong in the tackle and quick to snuff out danger. His one questionable moment was before the disallowed goal and he was saved by VAR. AP
  • Virgil van Dijk - 7. The Dutchman was powerful and composed and tried to spark attacks when on the ball. He was rarely in trouble but got dragged a little wide before the goal. AP
    Virgil van Dijk - 7. The Dutchman was powerful and composed and tried to spark attacks when on the ball. He was rarely in trouble but got dragged a little wide before the goal. AP
  • Andrew Robertson - 6. The Scot tried to get forward but his crossing was erratic. His link-up play on the left with Diaz did not work as well as usual. AP
    Andrew Robertson - 6. The Scot tried to get forward but his crossing was erratic. His link-up play on the left with Diaz did not work as well as usual. AP
  • Jordan Henderson - 7. The captain worked effectively in midfield and tried to move the ball quickly when in possession. He was withdrawn for Keita in the 77th minute as Liverpool chased a goal. EPA
    Jordan Henderson - 7. The captain worked effectively in midfield and tried to move the ball quickly when in possession. He was withdrawn for Keita in the 77th minute as Liverpool chased a goal. EPA
  • Fabinho - 6. The Brazilian stamped his authority on the midfield early on and ensured his team were on top for most of the game. He did not contribute much going forward. AFP
    Fabinho - 6. The Brazilian stamped his authority on the midfield early on and ensured his team were on top for most of the game. He did not contribute much going forward. AFP
  • Thiago Alcantara - 6. The 31-year-old was an injury worry before the game and did not look quite right even though his passing was neat. He was replaced by Firmino with 13 minutes to go. Reuters
    Thiago Alcantara - 6. The 31-year-old was an injury worry before the game and did not look quite right even though his passing was neat. He was replaced by Firmino with 13 minutes to go. Reuters
  • Mohamed Salah - 7. The Egyptian was marginalised in the first half but threatened after the break. Some of his shots lacked precision but he was unlucky to be foiled by the brilliance of Courtois. Getty
    Mohamed Salah - 7. The Egyptian was marginalised in the first half but threatened after the break. Some of his shots lacked precision but he was unlucky to be foiled by the brilliance of Courtois. Getty
  • Sadio Mane - 7. The Senegalese hit the post and caused Real some alarm. He was the victim of some rugged defending. EPA
    Sadio Mane - 7. The Senegalese hit the post and caused Real some alarm. He was the victim of some rugged defending. EPA
  • Luis Diaz - 5. The Colombian had an off night and lost his contest with Carvajal. Jota came on for him in the 65th minute. Getty
    Luis Diaz - 5. The Colombian had an off night and lost his contest with Carvajal. Jota came on for him in the 65th minute. Getty
  • SUBS: Diogo Jota (Diaz 65') - 6. The Portuguese was an upgrade on Diaz but was unable to beat Courtois. He was swamped by a blanket defence. Getty
    SUBS: Diogo Jota (Diaz 65') - 6. The Portuguese was an upgrade on Diaz but was unable to beat Courtois. He was swamped by a blanket defence. Getty
  • Naby Keita (Henderson 77') - 5. He showed for the ball but never looked like turning the match Liverpool’s way. AP
    Naby Keita (Henderson 77') - 5. He showed for the ball but never looked like turning the match Liverpool’s way. AP
  • Roberto Firmino (Thiago 77') - 6. The Brazilian produced some clever touches but they were not enough to change the course of the game. Getty
    Roberto Firmino (Thiago 77') - 6. The Brazilian produced some clever touches but they were not enough to change the course of the game. Getty
  • REAL MADRID RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois - 10. One of the great Champions League final performances, the Belgian produced save after save, including six from Salah alone, to guide Real Madrid to victory. Getty
    REAL MADRID RATINGS: Thibaut Courtois - 10. One of the great Champions League final performances, the Belgian produced save after save, including six from Salah alone, to guide Real Madrid to victory. Getty
  • Dani Carvajal - 8. Had the unenviable task of marking Diaz but stood firm, won his battle with the Colombian, and played a key role in Madrid's clean sheet. AP
    Dani Carvajal - 8. Had the unenviable task of marking Diaz but stood firm, won his battle with the Colombian, and played a key role in Madrid's clean sheet. AP
  • Eder Militao - 8. Won 100 per cent of his aerial duels and both attempted tackles while also making three successful interceptions, the Brazilian was a rock amid relentless Liverpool attacks. AP
    Eder Militao - 8. Won 100 per cent of his aerial duels and both attempted tackles while also making three successful interceptions, the Brazilian was a rock amid relentless Liverpool attacks. AP
  • David Alaba - 8. The Austrian was superb alongside Militao, winning four out of five ground duels, making four successful tackles, three interceptions, and three blocked shots. What an incredible free transfer Alaba has turned out to be. Reuters
    David Alaba - 8. The Austrian was superb alongside Militao, winning four out of five ground duels, making four successful tackles, three interceptions, and three blocked shots. What an incredible free transfer Alaba has turned out to be. Reuters
  • Ferland Mendy - 8. Had his hands full defensively against Salah but the Frenchman was excellent on the ball, achieving a 97 per cent passing accuracy and won 100 per cent of his one-on-one duels. AP
    Ferland Mendy - 8. Had his hands full defensively against Salah but the Frenchman was excellent on the ball, achieving a 97 per cent passing accuracy and won 100 per cent of his one-on-one duels. AP
  • Luka Modric - 7. Played a key role in the build-up to the goal and celebrated the Champions League triumph by announcing he had signed a new contract. A fifth European Cup for the ageless Croatian. Reuters
    Luka Modric - 7. Played a key role in the build-up to the goal and celebrated the Champions League triumph by announcing he had signed a new contract. A fifth European Cup for the ageless Croatian. Reuters
  • Casemiro - 9. Superb from the Brazilian who delivered a vintage defensive midfield display, winning 5/5 aerial duels, 8/11 ground duels, and four tackles, as well as six ball recoveries. Getty
    Casemiro - 9. Superb from the Brazilian who delivered a vintage defensive midfield display, winning 5/5 aerial duels, 8/11 ground duels, and four tackles, as well as six ball recoveries. Getty
  • Toni Kroos - 7. Quiet in the first half but grew into the game after the break, achieving 93 per cent passing accuracy including 100 per cent of his 11 attempted long balls. Getty
    Toni Kroos - 7. Quiet in the first half but grew into the game after the break, achieving 93 per cent passing accuracy including 100 per cent of his 11 attempted long balls. Getty
  • Federico Valverde - 8. Preferred to Rodrygo on the right wing and it proved the right move from Carlo Ancelotti after the Spaniard played the killer pass for Vinicius Jr's winning goal. Beyond the assist, Valverde had a good game. AP
    Federico Valverde - 8. Preferred to Rodrygo on the right wing and it proved the right move from Carlo Ancelotti after the Spaniard played the killer pass for Vinicius Jr's winning goal. Beyond the assist, Valverde had a good game. AP
  • Karim Benzema - 7. Capped a sensational season by winning a fifth Champions League title. There was to be no final goalscoring heroics but surely Benzema is headed for the Ballon d'Or. EPA
    Karim Benzema - 7. Capped a sensational season by winning a fifth Champions League title. There was to be no final goalscoring heroics but surely Benzema is headed for the Ballon d'Or. EPA
  • Vinicius Junior - 9. A constant threat down Madrid's left flank and popped up with the game-winning goal. Vinicius finished the season with 22 goals and 20 assists. Getty
    Vinicius Junior - 9. A constant threat down Madrid's left flank and popped up with the game-winning goal. Vinicius finished the season with 22 goals and 20 assists. Getty
  • SUBS: Eduardo Camavinga (Valverde 85') - N/A. Brought on for the final five minutes to help Madrid over the line. AP
    SUBS: Eduardo Camavinga (Valverde 85') - N/A. Brought on for the final five minutes to help Madrid over the line. AP
  • Dani Ceballos (Modric 90') - N/A. Provided fresh legs for injury time. Getty
    Dani Ceballos (Modric 90') - N/A. Provided fresh legs for injury time. Getty
  • Rodrygo (Vinicius 90'+3) - N/A. AFP
    Rodrygo (Vinicius 90'+3) - N/A. AFP
Updated: May 29, 2022, 8:43 AM