Mbappé Equals Ronaldo’s Historic Goal Record in 2025
A Night of History at the Bernabéu
Cristiano Ronaldo was quick to applaud Kylian Mbappé after the French superstar matched his long-standing record for most goals scored in a single calendar year for Real Madrid.
Heading into Saturday’s clash with Sevilla, Mbappé needed just one more strike to reach 59 goals in 2025, equaling Ronaldo’s legendary tally, the highest ever recorded by a Madrid player in one year.
The decisive moment came late, in the 86th minute, when Mbappé calmly converted a penalty. His celebration was symbolic: he performed Ronaldo’s iconic “siu” jump, a tribute to the man he has often described as his idol.
Social Media Tribute
After the match, Mbappé shared photos of his celebration alongside a childhood picture of himself meeting Ronaldo. His caption read: “Believe in your dreams. Big up Cristiano.”
Ronaldo himself responded warmly, posting emojis of raised hands and fire, an understated but powerful gesture of recognition from one legend to another.
Managerial Context: Alonso Under Pressure
Real Madrid’s 2–0 victory over Sevilla provided temporary relief for manager Xabi Alonso, who has faced scrutiny after a string of underwhelming performances.
Despite tactical questions surrounding Alonso’s tenure, Mbappé’s form under his leadership has been extraordinary. Since Alonso’s arrival in the summer, Mbappé has scored 30 goals in just 27 matches, averaging more than a goal per game, the best scoring rate of his career under any manager.
Comparing Managers
- Under Alonso (2025): 30 goals in 27 games (1.11 goals per game)
- Under Ancelotti (previous season): 43 goals in 56 games (0.77 goals per game)
This surge highlights Alonso’s ability to maximize Mbappé’s attacking output, even as the team’s overall performances remain inconsistent.
Alonso’s Reaction
Speaking after the match, Alonso praised his star forward:
“Mbappé always wants to make an impact, which is great for his teammates. It’s a historic achievement; I congratulate him on it and wish him the best for 2026.”
Why This Matters
- Legacy: Mbappé now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Ronaldo in Madrid’s record books.
- Symbolism: His “siu” celebration and heartfelt tribute underline the passing of the torch between two generations of football icons.
- Future Outlook: With Alonso’s backing and his current scoring rate, Mbappé is on track to surpass Ronaldo’s record outright in 2026, potentially setting a new benchmark in club history.