Mbappe says he chose Paris over Liverpool despite his mother backing Anfield move

Kylian Mbappe has said he came close to joining Liverpool while playing for Monaco, before choosing Paris St-Germain because he wanted to establish himself in his home city. BBC Sport reported the France and Real Madrid forward's account on September 22, drawing on an interview with The Athletic about Liverpool's attempt to recruit him in 2016.

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Mbappe said Liverpool had been his mother's preferred destination and that she was an admirer of the club's then-manager, Jurgen Klopp. He described her enthusiasm for the prospect of him playing at Anfield, but said his own priority was to remain in France. His explanation centred on proving himself in Paris rather than leaving his country at that stage of his career.

According to Mbappe, his mother travelled to Liverpool for an initial stage of the discussions. She visited the city and stadium and met people at the club, returning with a favourable impression of the welcome she received. He also said she attended several matches on her own to experience Anfield's atmosphere and imagine what it would be like for him to play there.

The account follows Klopp's description of Liverpool's efforts during an appearance on Magenta TV at the 2026 World Cup. As reported by BBC Sport, Klopp said a private jet travelled from Blackpool to Nice, where Mbappe's family boarded. The meeting involved a flight, discussions and a meal, with the arrangement intended to keep the talks out of public view. Despite that effort, Liverpool did not secure the forward.

Mbappe characterised the episode as an amusing story but maintained that the decisive factor was the opportunity to succeed in the place where he had grown up. He subsequently joined PSG on loan in a deal that included an option for a permanent transfer. His recollection explains why his preference differed from his mother's, despite her support for a move to Merseyside.

The decision preceded a seven-year spell in Paris, during which Mbappe became PSG's record goalscorer. He left for Real Madrid in 2024. The newly reported remarks revisit an earlier career choice, providing Mbappe's account of the Liverpool discussions alongside Klopp's description of the club's recruitment efforts.