Sofia Quijada
The 2024/25 season is already being written into the annals of Real Madrid history, as Kylian Mbappe begins on a journey that could one day rival the best to ever don the iconic white shirt. With reverence and clarity, manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed a belief shared by fans all over the world: Mbappe, like Cristiano Ronaldo, has the potential to become a legend at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Mbappe’s free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain was a watershed moment for Los Blancos, and he has spent no time in proving his worth to the club. The Frenchman has five goals in his previous three La Liga outings, including a decisive brace in a thrilling 3-2 win over Leganés. His season tally currently stands at 33 goals in 45 competitive matches, a display of brilliance reminiscent of past greats.
That figure puts Mbappe in distinguished company. With 33 goals in his rookie season, he equals Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ronaldo Nazário, who had identical scoring accomplishments during their first seasons at Real Madrid. Van Nistelrooy scored 33 goals in 47 games, while Ronaldo scored 33 in just 35 outings, setting the framework for a legacy that would inspire future generations.
The connection with Cristiano Ronaldo is unavoidable. Ronaldo’s legacy at Real Madrid is almost mythical. In 438 games, the Portuguese forward scored an incredible 450 goals, winning four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles. Ancelotti feels Mbappe can one day rise to this level of brilliance.
“It’s difficult, but I wish Mbappe to match Ronaldo at Real Madrid for a long time,” Ancelotti admitted in a press appearance ahead of the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Real Sociedad. The sentiment is not one of mere optimism, but of belief in Mbappe’s transcendent quality. According to Ancelotti, the true impact of Cristiano Ronaldo went far beyond goals — and it is in this broader influence that Mbappe is expected to follow.
The road to legend status continues this Tuesday, as Mbappe prepares for a return to action in the Copa del Rey. Beyond breaking records, he is on the verge of surpassing the debut season tally of Ivan Zamorano, who scored 37 goals in 45 matches during the 1992–93 season. Should Mbappe reach that mark, he will elevate himself further in the pantheon of Real Madrid’s greats — a feat that seems increasingly inevitable with each passing match.
Zamorano’s own legacy — 101 goals in 173 appearances — has already been eclipsed by current teammate Vinicius Junior. Yet it is Mbappe’s trajectory that now captivates the footballing world. With the season’s climax approaching, all eyes remain fixed on the Frenchman as he marches toward a legacy that may very well redefine greatness at the Santiago Bernabéu.
As the echoes of history begin to whisper his name, Kylian Mbappe stands on the threshold of immortality in Madrid. His story is still being written — but already, it reads like legend.