Kylian Mbappé’s new contract makes him the most powerful figure at PSG

Presidential candidate was not the title Kylian Mbappé was aiming for at the start of the campaign. However, some of those uninspired by the choice in France’s presidential elections last month crossed out the names Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen to scrawl “Mbappé” on their ballot papers instead. With his humble smile, tailored suit and nonchalant waves to fans outside the Parc des Princes, there was something presidential to Mbappé’s media address following his shock signing of a new three-year PSG contract. The new power that comes with it could match his presidential demeanour.

Mbappé’s decision to stay at PSG, a fanciful situation a few months ago, marks the start of sweeping changes within the club. Leonardo, the sporting director, has already exited for the second time and the coach, Mauricio Pochettino, is widely expected to follow. Large parts of an unwieldy squad are finally expected to be sold too, something Leonardo struggled with, while PSG’s prolific but little-used academy could finally take on genuine importance.

As well as what is reported as a gargantuan €100m signing bonus and a €50m salary, Mbappé is expected to take a meaningful role in PSG’s wider decision-making. His influence is already shaping the club. The appointment of Luís Campos as sporting director – a friend of Mbappé’s from their days at Monaco – was borne out of contract talks between Mbappé and PSG. The player’s continued presence influenced Campos’s acceptance.

Pochettino’s position, meanwhile, has improved thanks to Mbappé, who spoke of his “great relationship” with the coach. That directly contradicts the club’s position under Leonardo, who repeatedly offered Pochettino’s job to Zinedine Zidane, but Pochettino could yet see out the