Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe has turned down the club’s offer of a brand new BMW i7, despite recently passing his driving test. In doing so, he’s forfeited the opportunity to rival team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold in the club car park. Mbappe, who turned 27 in December, is officially roadworthy after passing his driving test. Such a privilege comes with certain perks when you’re part of the Real hierarchy, including a complimentary i7.

However, the World Cup champion has opted for the somewhat more understated (though still electric) iX3 as his preferred BMW model. Having only recently passed his test, Marca reported that Mbappe is cautious about biting off more than he can chew with his first regular motor.

Real clinched a sponsorship agreement with BMW in 2022, stipulating that players must drive BMW models to the training ground and to other club events. Alexander-Arnold was compelled to concede that his favoured £130,000 Range Rover P530 was no longer appropriate for club visits due to sponsorship constraints, with the former Liverpool star prohibited from driving the vehicle to training and club functions.

Mbappe’s decision is a prudent one, given the top-spec i7 spans a considerable 5.4 metres. In contrast, the iX3 measures just 4.7m long and will undoubtedly make parallel parking easier for a beginner driver.

Whilst Alexander-Arnold also had the option to choose a luxurious i7 as his preferred motor, he similarly prioritised practicality over style. The England star selected the more economical iX xDrive60, an all-electric SUV that carries a more reasonable price point of approximately £95,000.

It seems Alexander-Arnold, who remains subject to criticism in Madrid, is perhaps also conscious of not getting carried away during his debut season on Spanish roads. After all, adapting to driving on the right-hand side may require some adjustment, and it may be prudent to ease into a more powerful motor gradually.

Recent images taken outside the Real training facility revealed Mbappe departing on his own for the first time. And he appeared at ease despite having only recently secured legal authorisation to take the wheel.

Mbappe has virtually claimed every honour available in football. Nevertheless, he has stated previously he simply lacked the opportunity to concentrate on obtaining his licence.

That appears to have shifted since his relocation to Madrid. It’s probable Real’s squad members are permitted to operate their chosen vehicles when not engaged in club duties, though Mbappe might be content with his complimentary choice for the time being.

The French outlet 7sur7 recently reported that it’s a legal obligation in Spain for new drivers to exhibit an ‘L’ sticker on their vehicle for one year. Whilst Mbappe may be mastering the art of driving, he is no novice on the football field.

He currently leads the race for this season’s Pichichi Trophy, having netted 23 goals in La Liga to date.