Real Madrid: Mbappé’s Stellar Year Amidst Offensive Struggles

Kylian Mbappé has emerged as the linchpin for Real Madrid in the penalty area during 2025, recently equaling Cristiano Ronaldo‘s record for goals scored in a calendar year with the club. Despite this remarkable achievement, the Frenchman appears to be carrying the burden of the team’s offensive output largely on his own. With only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane keeping pace with his relentless scoring, Mbappé is on a quest for reliable support during those rare moments when he faces goal droughts.

Throughout 2025, Mbappé has harnessed the offensive prowess of his team, contributing significantly to their success. Carlo Ancelotti had hinted at the forward rediscovering his best form before the close of 2024, following a challenging year at Paris Saint-Germain and a forgettable 2024 campaign. However, Mbappé kicked off 2025 with a bang, culminating in his recent milestone of matching Ronaldo’s record. This accomplishment highlights not only his individual talent but also the pressing need for additional firepower in Madrid’s attack.

Challenges Faced by Teammates

Despite Mbappé’s brilliance, he has not received the necessary support from teammates like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, who have struggled to replicate their impressive performances from 2024. Vinícius, in particular, has endured a difficult season; his statistical output has been disappointing compared to last year when he was a Ballon d’Or contender. In the 2024-2025 season, Vinícius played 19 more matches yet managed only 22 goals and 19 assists over 58 appearances, contrasting sharply with his previous tally of 24 goals and 11 assists in just 39 matches.

Bellingham’s situation is similarly complicated. After an explosive start to his career at Madrid, he has faced challenges following an injury that required surgery after the Club World Cup. The arrival of Mbappé shifted Bellingham’s role further back on the pitch, negatively impacting his contributions. Xabi Alonso has struggled to optimize Bellingham’s potential this season, favoring Arda Güler as playmaker instead. Early signs from the current season do not suggest any improvement for Bellingham.

Mbappé’s Dominance in Statistics

As of January 15, 2025, Kylian Mbappé has netted an impressive 18 out of Real Madrid’s total of 36 league goals this half-season, representing a staggering 50% contribution. His performance in the UEFA Champions League is even more striking; he leads the competition’s scoring chart with nine goals out of Madrid’s total of 13. This means that he accounts for nearly 70% of their goals in Europe’s elite tournament.

However, Mbappé is not fond of discussions surrounding dependency on him for goals. He stated emphatically in a mixed zone interview with Radio MARCA: “I think that’s absurd. I don’t mean to disrespect anyone; I just want to say it’s a bad question. Everyone has their role within the team, and mine is to score goals.” His insistence on collective responsibility underscores a crucial aspect of team dynamics as they move forward.

The pressure on Mbappé continues to mount as he carries both personal ambitions and those of Real Madrid into what promises to be an intense second half of the season. Can he maintain this extraordinary form while seeking greater collaboration from his teammates?