Intro
Mbappé’s prolific run at Madrid revives debate over whether he can eclipse Ronaldo
Madrid
Kylian Mbappé’s remarkable scoring streak for Real Madrid has reignited comparisons with club legend Cristiano Ronaldo, with even senior figures at the Spanish giants wondering how far the French forward can go. After scoring his 23rd goal in 22 La Liga matches in Madrid’s 2-0 win over Valencia, Mbappé once again underlined his growing influence in white.
Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa said Mbappé possesses the qualities required to follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps, while cautioning that the Portuguese star’s achievements remain extraordinary. “What Cristiano achieved seemed extraterrestrial, something impossible to match,” Arbeloa said. “Mbappé has a long way to go because Cristiano was here for many years, but he has the conditions to follow in his footsteps. And if anyone can surpass him, it’s Kylian.”
Ronaldo, now 41 and playing in Saudi Arabia, represented Real Madrid from 2009 to 2018 and left as the club’s all-time leading scorer with 451 goals in 438 competitive appearances. His longevity and consistency set benchmarks few have come close to matching.
Mbappé, who joined Madrid last season at the age of 27, has wasted little time making his mark. In 2025, he scored 59 goals, equalling Ronaldo’s club-record tally from 2013. At the time, Mbappé described Ronaldo as his “idol” and “the best player in the history of Real Madrid”.
The Frenchman has begun 2026 in even more devastating fashion. He has nine goals in seven matches this year, compared to the 11 games he needed to reach the same tally last season. Overall, Mbappé has 43 goals in 35 appearances for club and country this term.
“It’s a great fortune because right now he’s the best player in the world with what he’s proving game after game,” Arbeloa said. The coach, a former Madrid defender, was a teammate of Ronaldo during his playing days at the club.
Mbappé’s teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni has also suggested that the forward has what it takes to chase down Ronaldo’s records. Madrid, meanwhile, have won seven straight league matches and sit one point behind leaders Barcelona after 23 games, with a Champions League knockout tie against José Mourinho’s Benfica looming next.
