The Heir to the Throne: Mbappé Matches Ronaldo and Redefines Madrid’s Present

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, football history echoed around the Santiago Bernabéu. On his 27th birthday, Kylian Mbappé scored his 59th goal of the calendar year, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time Real Madrid record and sealing a crucial 2–0 La Liga victory over Sevilla.

The French superstar paid tribute to his idol with his trademark "Siuu celebration". Mbappé didn't just match Ronaldo's record; he cemented himself as the heir to the throne at the Bernabéu.

📈 A Season of Absolute Dominance (2025/26)

Mbappé’s influence since arriving at the Bernabéu has been transformative. As we head into the winter break, he isn't just leading Real Madrid; he is leading nearly every statistical category in European football. He leads La Liga with 18 goals in 18 matches, an unbelievable record of a goal per game. He retains pole position in the Champions League, netting 9 goals, including a stunning four-goal haul vs Olympiacos. In all competitions, Mbappé has scored 29 goals and provided 4 assists in 24 appearances, cementing his dominance across all competitions. This phenomenal strike rate underscores a consistency that few in the history of the game have ever maintained. Notably, he has already recorded 9 penalties this season, showing his status as the club's undisputed finisher from 11 meters.

🔥 The Anatomy of 59 Goals: A Year in Review

The "59-goal year" is more than just a number; it represents a relentless level of sustained excellence throughout the 2025 calendar year:

• The Split: Mbappé scored 30 goals in the second half of the 2024/25 season and 29 goals in the first half of the current 2025/26 campaign.

  
  

• The Big Game Hunter: His 2025 tally includes 11 braces, four hat-tricks, and a spectacular four-goal haul against Olympiacos in November.

  
  

• Mentality: His record-tying goal against Sevilla came after several missed chances earlier in the match, proving his psychological resilience. As Jude Bellingham noted post-match, "Kylian never stops. He knew the record was there, and he wanted it for the fans."

🧠 Tactical Evolution Under Xabi Alonso

Mbappé’s scoring prowess this season is the product of a refined tactical system. Under Xabi Alonso’s 4-2-3-1, Mbappé has evolved from a traditional winger into a complete Number 9.

While he still possesses the lightning pace to devastate teams on the break, he has significantly improved his off-ball work and defensive pressing. His defensive pressing metrics have risen sharply, reflecting Alonso’s demand for collective responsibility. Mbappe has turned into the engine of Madrid's attack, combining lethal finishing with intense off-the-ball work. This evolution has allowed the "Three-Headed Monster" of Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham to coexist, even if it requires tactical sacrifices from the other two to facilitate Mbappé’s record-breaking runs.

🏆 Individual Recognition and the Ronaldo Tribute

Mbappé’s extraordinary year was formally recognised on October 31, 2025, when he received his first European Golden Shoe at the Bernabéu, a significant milestone befitting of his output.

His decision to celebrate the record-equaling goal with Ronaldo’s iconic “Siuu” was deliberate and emotional: “I wanted to give him a shout-out because he helped me adapt to Madrid. To do this on my birthday, at the club of my dreams, is an honour.” Mbappe is showing that it is respect, not rivalry, between the two icons. He is demonstrating a succession at the Bernabeu, not a comparison.

🔮 What Comes Next?

As Real Madrid head into the winter break just one point behind Barcelona, the narrative has shifted decisively. Mbappe is no longer the future promise; he is the present. For Mbappé, the focus shifts to 2026 and the pursuit of silverware. With the Spanish Super Cup approaching and knockout football on the horizon, the question is no longer whether Mbappé can live up to Madrid’s history but how far he intends to push it. Mbappe has officially stepped out of the past and into his own legacy. The question remains: how far does he intend to go?