Real Madrid: Mbappé on the verge of breaking Ronaldo’s record

Kylian Mbappé is having an extraordinary calendar year that could etch his name in the annals of football history. As the footballing world typically assesses performance at the end of the season, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for the French forward. After scoring at Mendizorrotza against Alavés, Mbappé has now amassed an impressive total of 56 goals in a single calendar year while wearing the iconic white jersey. This remarkable tally places him tantalizingly close to his childhood idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, who set a staggering benchmark of 59 goals during 2013 for Real Madrid.

With December drawing to a close, Mbappé has his sights set on surpassing this legendary mark. He needs just three more goals to equal Ronaldo’s record and four to claim the title of the club’s all-time top scorer in a calendar year. The upcoming fixtures provide him with two final opportunities before the winter break: a Copa del Rey matchup against lower-tier Talavera and a high-stakes clash against Sevilla FC at Santiago Bernabéu. The pivotal question remains whether coach Xabi Alonso will opt to start him in the cup match to maximize his scoring chances, reminiscent of Carlo Ancelotti‘s strategy last season.

Mbappé’s Impact on Real Madrid

This pursuit of glory highlights not only Mbappé’s individual brilliance but also his incredible integration into Real Madrid’s tactical setup. According to AS, his influence on the team’s performance has been nothing short of transformative. Since the beginning of this season, he has been directly involved in nearly two-thirds of Real Madrid’s goals—boasting 26 goals and four assists out of a total of 47 team goals. His presence has served as a crucial asset, helping to mask some collective deficiencies within the squad.

Future Projections and Comparisons

If Mbappé continues at this prolific pace, he could potentially reach an astonishing 66 goals by the end of the 2025-2026 season. Achieving this would not only surpass Ronaldo’s previous record of 61 goals set during the 2014-2015 season but would also signify a monumental accomplishment for Mbappé in his first full year with Real Madrid. His exceptional form is also benefiting the French national team; with 55 international goals to his name, he is closing in on Olivier Giroud’s record of 57 goals.

As he gears up for these crucial matches, one can’t help but wonder if this week will see him break through and eclipse his idol’s storied record. A final burst of brilliance could see this rising star take his place among legends in the history books of La Casa Blanca.