Mbappe Closes In on Breaking Cristiano Ronaldo's Historic Milestone

Kylian Mbappe hit his 58th goal for Real Madrid in 2025 during Wednesday's match, moving just one strike away from equaling Cristiano Ronaldo's club record for most goals in a single calendar year.

The French forward netted twice in Real Madrid's tight 3–2 win against lower-division Talavera in the Copa Del Rey's round of 32. Mbappé first converted from the penalty spot to break the deadlock, then sealed the victory with a long-distance effort that the keeper fumbled in the 88th minute.

While Real Madrid secured progression to the next round, the more significant development is that Mbappé now faces a potential record-breaking opportunity when Los Blancos face Sevilla this Saturday.

The double strike allowed Mbappe to match his childhood hero Ronaldo's tally for the second-highest calendar year goal count in Real Madrid's history. He now sits just one goal behind Ronaldo's remarkable 59-goal achievement from 2013.

In what is merely his debut full season at the Spanish capital, Mbappé stands on the verge of surpassing one of the most remarkable records held by Real Madrid's greatest ever player. A two-goal performance against Sevilla would do the trick, which seems achievable considering he's already managed eight braces for Los Blancos this campaign.

All attention will be directed toward the Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday as fans anticipate what could mark a memorable milestone for both Mbappé and Real Madrid.

Xabi Alonso: Mbappé Always Has The Ability to Score With Ease

Most anticipated Mbappé would be rested against Talavera, yet he featured from the start and completed the full 90 minutes. Post-match, Xabi Alonso provided his straightforward explanation for deploying Mbappé in Wednesday's encounter.

"Well, he's been decisive with the two goals," Alonso commented, via MARCA. "Because Kylian [Mbappé] always has that ability to score goals with ease.

"Like I said before, the third goal has been key, that goal from Kylian was very important and that's why he stayed on the pitch and that's why he started."

Alonso acknowledged that Real Madrid complicated matters more than necessary against Talavera, but suggested these situations are typical in Copa Del Rey competition. He also expressed being "happy and satisfied" after achieving the goal of reaching the round of 16.

Following his praise for Mbappé, Alonso shifted focus entirely to Saturday's encounter with Sevilla, a fixture where he's anticipated to again deploy his star player as the spearhead while the Real Madrid icon pursues what could be a record-setting conclusion to 2025.