Kylian Mbappé arrived at Real Madrid with a palpable sense of expectation. He joined a club that honors its icons and looks for the next legend, and he was immediately compared to Cristiano Ronaldo. Early on, he stumbled. A four-month dip made some question if he’d ever recapture his World Cup shine. But he shifted gears. Now, as winter gives way to spring, he’s already netted 22 goals.
Observers who follow Real Madrid closely believe that if Mbappé continues at this pace and stays injury-free, he’s on track to surpass Ronaldo’s 33-goal mark from 2009–10—a milestone once seen as untouchable. His scoring spree has spanned every major competition, from La Liga to the Champions League, and fans have started drawing parallels between Mbappé’s range of finishes and the electric style that once defined Ronaldo’s prime.
Still, it’s worth noting that Mbappé joined a title-winning team, which gave him benefits Ronaldo didn’t enjoy when he first landed in Madrid. Back then, the club was in flux, and Ronaldo’s success was built without the stable structure Mbappé has, including a reliable supply line in midfield.
Regardless of those differences, Mbappé’s recent form is remarkable. He turned what some dismissed as a disappointing stretch into a statement run, and he’s now vying with Europe’s elite scorers for both individual accolades and silverware with Real Madrid. Questions remain about whether he can keep his foot on the gas as the season enters its toughest phase. Even the best players can be derailed by fatigue or the weight of expectations. For the moment, though, he isn’t just following in Ronaldo’s footsteps—he’s carving out his own path.
| Statistic | Mbappé (2024–25)* | Ronaldo (2009–10) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 33 | 35 |
| Total Goals | 22 | 33 |
| Trophies Won | 2 | 0 |
| Goals per Match (Approx.) | 0.67 | 0.94 |
