In one of the most dramatic twists the football world has seen in years, Kylian Mbappé has joined Manchester City — not Real Madrid — and Pep Guardiola has now officially disclosed how he intends to deploy the French superstar in his title-winning machine.
Despite earlier speculations suggesting Mbappé might take up a wide role similar to what he played at Paris Saint-Germain, Guardiola has confirmed that the 25-year-old will be used as a central striker — the focal point of City’s relentless attacking force. With Erling Haaland leaving for Real Madrid in a parallel storyline of epic proportions, Guardiola has wasted no time reshaping his frontline around the pace, skill, and killer instinct of Mbappé.
“Mbappé will be our No. 9,” Pep revealed in an exclusive press briefing. “But he won’t be a traditional one. He’ll drift, he’ll create, and he’ll destroy. His intelligence in and around the box is second to none. We’re building the next evolution of Manchester City’s attack around him.”
Confirming what fans had been dying to know, Guardiola also unveiled that Mbappé will wear the iconic No. 7 jersey, left vacant after João Cancelo’s departure. While many expected the No. 10 shirt to be handed to the Frenchman, insiders say the No. 7 was Mbappé’s personal choice — a nod to legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, and perhaps a symbolic declaration of his own intent to forge a legendary path in England.
Mbappé’s decision to join City came after weeks of uncertainty and reports linking him strongly with Real Madrid. His move to England shocked fans globally, especially considering that he had been presented in Madrid just weeks earlier. However, a dramatic twist saw him terminate his agreement with Los Blancos, reportedly due to disagreements over his role and Xabi Alonso’s project.
Guardiola, who had been in touch with Mbappé’s camp for months, used a combination of tactical ambition and sporting assurance to lure the striker. According to sources close to the deal, Guardiola promised Mbappé not just trophies but a central role in City’s dynasty-building effort — something Madrid couldn’t fully guarantee.
“He wanted to be the heartbeat of something,” Guardiola added. “At City, he will not just be one of many stars. He will be the star around whom everything revolves.”
This isn’t just a marquee signing; it’s a fundamental change in how Manchester City will play. Pep’s system is famously fluid, and with Mbappé leading the line, expect a more vertical, explosive brand of attacking football. The Frenchman’s blistering speed, sharp movements, and ruthless finishing make him a nightmare for defenders, especially when backed by playmakers like Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden.
City fans are understandably overjoyed, but the same cannot be said for Madridistas, many of whom feel betrayed. Club insiders say Xabi Alonso was completely blindsided by the sudden collapse of the Mbappé arrangement. The new Real Madrid manager had reportedly earmarked Mbappé as the central figure in his rebuild, only to watch him leave for England without kicking a single competitive ball for the club.
For Mbappé, the move represents a bold shift in career trajectory — swapping the allure of the Santiago Bernabéu for the tactical sanctuary of the Etihad. But with Ballon d’Or dreams in sight and a coach who knows how to elevate generational talent, the decision might just be the most strategic of his career.
Only time will tell if this gamble pays off. But for now, Manchester City has secured arguably the most dangerous forward in world football — and Pep Guardiola is ready to unleash him.
