ANCELOTTI BACKS MBAPPE TO MATCH RONALDO

Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his belief that Kylian Mbappe has the potential to have a similar impact at Real Madrid as Cristiano Ronaldo did during his illustrious nine-season tenure.

Since making his highly anticipated move to the Spanish capital last summer, Mbappe has made an immediate impression, scoring 22 goals in 27 La Liga appearances this season, along with seven goals in the Champions League, where he has helped propel the team into the quarter-finals.

Mbappe’s recent brace against Leganes, including the match-winning goal in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory, further emphasized his growing influence at the club. The Frenchman’s efforts have kept Real Madrid within three points of league leaders Barcelona, with the team continuing to chase domestic and European glory.

While it’s still early in Mbappe’s career at the Bernabeu, Ancelotti was asked if the 24-year-old could go on to match Ronaldo’s remarkable record of 451 goals in 438 appearances for the club. The Italian coach replied, “It’s difficult, but I wish Mbappe to match Ronaldo at Real Madrid for a long time, of course. He has the quality to make it, I hope he becomes a legend of this club. He can do it. Cristiano's impact here was more than goals.”

Mbappe’s brace against Leganes brought his tally for the season to 33 goals in all competitions, matching the total that Ronaldo managed in his first year at the club. Despite being compared to the Portuguese legend, Mbappe remains focused on winning trophies with Real Madrid, underscoring that individual achievements are secondary to team success.

“I’m very happy to equal his goals in the first season,” Mbappe said after the match. “We know what he represents for all of us. But the really important thing is to win trophies with Real Madrid.”

Mbappe’s continued form and his rapport with Ronaldo—whom he speaks with regularly for advice—has only fueled speculation about his long-term future at the club. With Real Madrid targeting further success in both La Liga and the Champions League, the stage is set for Mbappe to possibly cement his place as one of the club’s all-time greats, following in the footsteps of Ronaldo, whose legacy looms large in Madrid’s history.