Mbappe Honors Ronaldo After Matching Legendary Milestone in Stunning Performance
Kylian Mbappé scored in the final moments of Real Madrid's 2–0 triumph against Sevilla to match Cristiano Ronaldo's club milestone for most goals netted in a single calendar year.
The five-time Ballon d'Or recipient had held the top spot on Los Blancos' scoring records for the past dozen years with his remarkable 59-goal tally from 2013. No other player wearing the famous white jersey had ever come close to matching this legendary achievement.
Moving ahead to 2025, however, Mbappé accomplished exactly that. The French striker concluded the year with 59 strikes for Real Madrid, inscribing his name beside his boyhood idol in the club's record books.
Mbappé entered Saturday's La Liga encounter against Sevilla requiring only one strike to equal the milestone, and two to surpass it on his 27th birthday. The star attacker was eager to score, attempting nine efforts at the Bernabéu, but struggled to find success in the attacking third.
When it appeared Ronaldo would maintain his record, Rodrygo earned the home team a spot kick and Mbappé coolly slotted home from the penalty spot in the 86th minute. The strike secured three points for his team while creating history.
Most Goals by a Real Madrid Player in a Calendar Year
Player | Year | Goals |
|---|---|---|
Cristiano Ronaldo | 2013 | 59 |
Kylian Mbappé | 2025 | 59 |
Cristiano Ronaldo | 2012 | 58 |
Cristiano Ronaldo | 2014 | 56 |
Cristiano Ronaldo | 2015 | 54 |
Cristiano Ronaldo | 2011 | 53 |
Among the 59 strikes Mbappé netted for Real Madrid this year, 30 arrived in the latter half of his milestone-setting inaugural season. The remaining 29 were scored under Xabi Alonso's guidance.
The France captain tops the squad in scoring for 2025–26, both domestically in La Liga and in European competition. Following behind is Vinicius Junior, who has managed just five strikes this campaign.
Mbappé Pays Tribute to Ronaldo at the Bernabéu
Following Mbappé's record-equaling strike, the 27-year-old paid homage to Ronaldo by performing the Portuguese legend's famous "siu" celebration at the very venue where it became legendary.
"I matched my idol's milestone today, Cristiano Ronaldo, the finest player in this club's history," Mbappé stated after the match concluded. "My celebration was a tribute to him. He's my friend and my inspiration."
The former Paris Saint-Germain forward will aim to maintain his outstanding campaign start in the coming year. Los Blancos enjoy a two-week winter break before returning to competition against Real Betis on Jan. 4.
"The Madridistas, those at the Bernabeu and supporters worldwide have consistently supported us. We share the same aspirations. We will sacrifice everything for this crest. These must be more than words, we want to honor this badge and Real Madrid's magnificent legacy," Mbappé declared.